Directed trajectories through communication decision tree using iterative artificial intelligence

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate to configuring artificial-intelligence (AI) decision nodes throughout a communication decision tree. The decision nodes can support successive iteration of AI models to dynamically define iteration data that corresponds to a trajectory through the tree

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/007,677, filed Jun. 13, 2018, which claims the benefit of and the priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/566,026, filed on Sep. 29, 2017, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD

Embodiments relate to configuring artificial-intelligence (AI) decision nodes throughout a communication decision tree. The decision nodes can support successive iteration of AI models to dynamically define iteration data that corresponds to a trajectory through the tree.

BACKGROUND

Technological advancements have improved the accessibility and complexity of multiple types of communication channels. Further, data-storage and network advancements have increased capacities, such that an increasing amount (and variety) of data can be stored at a data source for potential transmission. Therefore, a data source can be positioned to deliver many types of data across any of multiple data channels at many potential times. The array of content-delivery options explodes when considering multiple, related content deliveries instead of a single distribution. Frequently, a content provider configures one or more static rules to indiscriminately provide the same content through a same communication channel to each data ingester. While the communication specification(s) may differ across receipt of different data requests, the rule(s) can be configured to indiscriminately and consistently respond to data requests. Though this approach provides configuration simplicity and deterministic operation, it fails to react to the potential variability across a population of data ingesters and thus may sub-optimally handle requests.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided. A data structure is accessed that represents a communication decision tree configured to dynamically define individual trajectories through the communication decision tree using a machine-learning technique to indicate a series of communication specifications. The communication decision tree includes a set of branching nodes. Each branching node of the set of branching nodes corresponds to an action point configured to identify a direction for a given trajectory. At a first time, it is detected that a trajectory through the communication decision tree has reached a first branching node of the set of branching nodes. The trajectory is associated with a particular user. In response to the detecting that the trajectory has reached the first branching node, first learned data generated by processing first user data using a machine-learning technique is retrieved. The first user data includes user attributes for a set of other users. Further in response to the detecting that the trajectory has reached the first branching node, one or more particular user attributes associated with the particular user are retrieved, one or more first communication specifications are identified based on the first learned data and the one or more particular user attributes, and first content is caused to be transmitted to a user device associated with the particular user in accordance with the one or more first communication specifications. At a second time that is after the first time, it is detected that the trajectory through the communication decision tree has reached a second branching node of the set of branching nodes. In response to the detecting that the trajectory has reached the second branching node, second learned data generated by processing second user data using the machine-learning technique is retrieved. The second user data includes at least some user attributes not included in the first user data. Further in response to the detecting that the trajectory has reached the second branching node, one or more second communication specifications are identified based on the second learned data and at least some of the one or more particular user attributes, and second content is caused to be transmitted to the user device in accordance with the one or more second communication specifications.

In some embodiments, a computer-program product is provided that is tangibly embodied in a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium. The computer-program product can include instructions configured to cause one or more data processors to perform operations of part or all of one or more methods disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes one or more data processors and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed on the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to perform operations of part or all of one or more methods disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawing figures:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an interaction system.

FIG. 2 shows a template to be used for generating an email communication.

FIG. 3 shows a template to be used for generating an app notification communication.

FIG. 4 shows a representation of a communication decision tree.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a trajectory corresponding to a user device and extending through a communication decision tree.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary interface to define a communication decision tree.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary parameter-defining interface for a switch icon.

FIG. 8 shows another exemplary parameter-defining interface that includes options to effect a bias towards or against representing various content in communications.

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary parameter-defining interface that includes options to effect a bias towards or against using various communication channels to transmit communications.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for a process for using machine learning to direct trajectories through a communication decision tree according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for a process for defining a machine-learning-based communication decision tree using an interface supporting positionable visual elements.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate inter-system communication environments to distribute obfuscated versions of user data.

FIG. 13 illustrates an inter-system communication environment to distribute obfuscated versions of user data.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for a process for using machine-learning model execution to enrich obfuscated data and implement communication workflow according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows an interface that represents population-level stage-specific profile data corresponding to individual workflow stages.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for a process for using machine-learning model execution to generate training data for data-enrichment training according to embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided that repeatedly use machine-learning data to facilitate iteratively identifying communication specifications. More specifically, a communication decision tree is generated that includes a set of nodes. Each node can correspond to (for example) a detected event or a branching node that corresponds to a communication-specification decision and that is connected to multiple next nodes representing a communication corresponding to one or more particular communications specifications. Each individual trajectory through the communication decision tree can correspond to an individual user and/or one or more particular user devices. Each individual trajectory can extend across a particular subset of the set of nodes, where nodes in the subset are representative of specific actions initiated by the user and/or initiated at a particular user device of the one or more particular devices, specific characteristics of a communication transmitted to the a particular user device of the one or more particular devices; and/or a decision to be made as to a specification of an upcoming communication. For example, a specification of an upcoming communication can indicate when it is to be transmitted, to which device it is to be transmitted, over which type of communication channel it is to be transmitted, and/or what type of content it is to include. In some instances, natural language processing can be used to assign one or more categories to each of one or more content objects transmitted in a training set and/or to each of one or more content objects available for transmission. A communication specification may then identify a particular category of content to be transmitted.

Each communication-specification decision can be made based on current data corresponding to the user and/or particular user devices, a machine-learning model and one or more learned parameters for the machine-learning model. The parameter(s) can be learned based on user data associated with a set of other users and that indicates, for each of the set of other users, one or more attributes of the other user and/or a set of events (e.g., user-initiated actions or characteristics of communications transmitted to the user). The parameter(s) can further be learned based on a trajectory target (e.g., identified by a client) that corresponds to a particular node within the communication decision tree and/or a particular action initiated by the user.

A communication decision tree can be configured to include multiple branching nodes, such that multiple communication-specifications decisions may be made for a single trajectory. In some instances, each decision is made using a same type of machine-learning algorithm (e.g., a supervised regression algorithm). However, the algorithm may be differentially configured at each of the branching nodes, such that the branching nodes differ with respect to (for example) the types of input processed for each trajectory and/or the learned parameters to be used to process input corresponding to a trajectory. In various instances, the algorithms for different branching nodes may be trained to optimize a same or different variable (e.g., based on an identification of a same target node or different target nodes). Not only may the branching nodes vary with regard to the types of input that the algorithm is configured to process, but additionally the types of profile data available to potentially be processed for a given user can vary (e.g., profile data may accumulate over time due to interaction monitoring). Further, the learned data associated with any given node can change in time (due to continuous and/or repeated learning).

As one example, a trajectory for a user can be initialized upon detecting that profile data corresponding to the user includes information for at least a predefined set of fields. The profile data can be collected using one or more web servers over one or more sessions associated with the user and/or retrieved from a remote data source. In some instances, a user device automatically detects at least some of the profile data and communicates it to the web server(s) (e.g., via automatically populated header information in a communication that identifies, for example, a unique device identifier, MAC address, browser type, browser version, operating system type, operating system version, device type, language to which the device is set, etc.). In some instances, a communication includes data that represents user input (e.g., text entered into a web form, link selections, page navigation, etc.), which can then be logged as profile data.

Initializing the trajectory can include identifying a first node within the communication decision tree, which can include a first branching node. The first decision node can correspond to a decision as to identify which of multiple content objects (e.g., identifying various groups of items and/or information associated with a web site) to transmit within an email communication to a device of the user. The first decision node can also correspond to a decision as to when—within a two-day period—to send the email. The decisions can be made based on first learned data that indicates—for particular types of users—what types of objects and/or communication times are most likely to lead to a target outcome. For example, the target outcome can include an occurrence where the user activating a link within the email to access a page on the web site and/or the user interacting with the web site in a manner that corresponds to a conversion (e.g., a purchase of an item represented on the web site), and the first learned data can indicate that predictive factors as to which of three content objects will be more effective at resulting in the target outcome include whether a user most frequently uses a mobile device (versus a laptop or computer), the user's age, and previous email-interaction indications as to for which types of content objects the user clicked on a link.

Once the email is sent, the trajectory can extend to a node representing the transmitted content until a next event is detected. The next event can include (for example) activation of a link within the web site, thereby indicating that the user is engaged in a current session with the web site. Upon detecting this event, the trajectory can extend to a second decision node to determine how to configure a requested web page on the web site (e.g., in terms of whether to include dynamic content objects and/or how to arrange various content objects). In this example, second learned data indicates—for particular types of users—what configurations are most likely to lead to a same target outcome. For example, the second learned data can indicate that predictive factors as to which of four configurations will be more effective at resulting in the target outcome include whether a user most frequently uses a mobile device (versus a laptop or computer), a browser type, a current location of a user device, and a current time of day at the user's location. Once the webpage (configured in accordance with the decision made at the second decision node) is sent, the trajectory can extend to a node representing the configuration of the transmitted webpage. The trajectory can continue to extend upon detecting various user-initiated, system-initiated or external events (e.g., a passing of a predefined time interval since a previous event).

In this example, the target outcome remains the same across multiple decisions. However, rather than identifying a static workflow of actions to perform—or even rather than determining a user-specific complete sequence of actions to perform—techniques disclosed herein base decisions pertaining to individual actions on current profile data, current learned data and current event detections. Machine learning is executed iteratively throughout a life cycle of a particular trajectory to identify piecemeal actions to be performed. This approach can facilitate high utilization of data (e.g., as expansions and/or evolutions of learned data and/or profile data can be utilized in mid-process decisions), which can promote achieving the target objective. Further, the approach enables a change (e.g., initiated by a client) to a definition and/or constraint of a machine-learning technique to take a quick effect (e.g., as the change can still influence trajectories having already been initiated). For example, a client may change a target objective from conversion to retaining a user device on a web site for at least a threshold session duration. Modified parameters for machine-learning models associated with various branching nodes can be determined and immediately effected, so as to affect previously initiated trajectories that subsequent reach the node(s).

Communication decisions (and/or partial directing through a communication decision tree) can be based on anonymized or partially anonymized data, either or both of which can be built from anonymized, partially anonymized or non-anonymized data provided by one or more providers or clients. For example, a remote user-data management system can receive partially anonymized or non-anonymized data from one or more data providers and can obscure or eliminate fields in individual records according to data-privacy rules and/or can aggregate field values across a user sub-population to comply with data-privacy rules. As described herein, anonymized or partially anonymized data is data that has been stripped of PII and/or aggregated such that individual data values cannot be, beyond a certain probability, associated with particular people or users. Thus, the anonymized or partially anonymized data can lack or obscure sufficient data values to prevent identifying a particular person as being a particular user or to prevent identifying a particular person as having at least a threshold probability as being a user. For example, the anonymized or partially anonymized data may lack a name, email address, IP address, physical address and/or phone number from profile data. The anonymized or partially anonymized data may include or exclude certain demographic data, such as an age, city, occupation, etc. In some instances, anonymized or partially anonymized data is useful to collect so as to comply with privacy rules, regulations and laws, while also being able to process some of the data. The anonymized or partially anonymized data can include information gathered from devices based on IP address range, zip code, date, categories of prior online inquiry, race, gender, age, purchase history, and/or browsing history, etc., which may have been gathered according to a variety of privacy policies and laws that restrict the flow of personally identifiable information (PII), etc.

In some instances, the anonymized or partially anonymized data is used to generate and/or update learned data (e.g., one or more parameters) associated with individual machine-learning configurations. This type of training need not (for example) require or benefit from data fields such as contact information, so data records can be stripped of these fields. As another example, one or more sub-populations can be generated based on values for a particular field, and specific values for that field may thereafter be replaced with an identifier of a sub-population.

In some instances, profile data corresponding to a particular user for which decisions are being made include the anonymized or partially anonymized data. For example, a system can detect that a trajectory has reached a branching node and request data from a user-data management system (e.g., using a device identifier or other identifier associated with the trajectory). The system can return profile data that includes (for example) one or more specific non-anonymized field values, one or more field values that have been generalized (e.g., assigned to a category), and/or eliminated field values. The non-anonymized field data may be included in profile data when (for example) such field values were supplied by (e.g., upon having been collected using data-collecting features built into a webpage and/or via a transmission from the client) or otherwise accessible to (e.g., via a data-sharing agreement) a client for which a decision is being made. The system may also return population data (e.g., that can itself be learned and/or can evolve over time) that indicates relationships between field values, which may be used to estimate values or categories for missing field values.

In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided that use machine-learning techniques to select specifications for communicating with devices. The devices can correspond to a set of obfuscated profiles identified by a client. However, a machine learning data platform may access de-obfuscated data to facilitate model execution and communication. For example, a client system can send a set of obfuscated identifiers that correspond to obfuscated versions of a set of profiles to the machine learning data platform with a request to perform a machine-learning communication workflow to engage users. The obfuscated versions of the set of profiles can lack personally identifiable information and may have been identified by the client system via a response to a client-initiated query. The client system may have generated the query to includes a set of characteristics associated with a user, device and/or online activity. The query can be processed at a data management system that maintains a large population of profiles. The data management system can identify a set of profiles that have each of the set of characteristics. However, availing full access to the set of profiles (which may include PII, such as a user's name, email address, social security number, etc.) may violate privacy laws and/or security norms.

Thus, the data management system may generate an obfuscated data set to correspond to the set of profiles. The obfuscated data set may be generated by (for example) removing values for one or more fields from individual profiles, introducing noise to profiles, aggregating field values across profiles to generate population-level data for at least some fields, scrambling field values across profiles, etc. It will be appreciated that the extent and/or type of obfuscating may be specifically identified and implemented for the precise data set and/or client. Thus, even if a profile is represented in multiple obfuscated data sets, it may be obfuscated differently across the data sets.

The obfuscated identifiers may further differ from absolute identifiers used by the data management system for profile indexing. Thus, the data management system may maintain a data structure that indicates (for example), for a given profile, one or more obfuscated identifiers that are associated with the profile. The data structure may further indicate—for each of the one or more obfuscated identifiers—a client, query and/or obfuscated data associated with the obfuscated identifier and/or how the profile has been or is to be obfuscated to generate the obfuscated version of the profile. In some instances, the obfuscated identifiers are unique across clients and/or across data sets, such that a given identifier is indicative of a specific type of obfuscating performed for a specific profile (e.g., and/or in correspondence with a specific data set) and/or a same profile is represented by different obfuscated identifiers availed to different clients.

The machine learning data platform can use profile data corresponding to the obfuscated identifiers to perform a machine-learning-based processing. In some instances, the client system sends the obfuscated data set to the machine learning data platform for processing. The obfuscated data set may include multiple data subsets, each corresponding to an obfuscated version of a profile. In some instances, the client system transmits the set of obfuscated identifiers, and the machine learning data platform requests, from the data management system, obfuscated profile data that corresponds to the set of obfuscated identifiers. In some instances, the client system transmits the set of obfuscated identifiers, and the machine learning data platform requests, from the data management system, de-obfuscated profile data that corresponds to the set of obfuscated identifiers. Thus, in some instances, more data field values are availed by the data management system to the machine learning data platform as compared to those availed to the client system.

For each of the identified (obfuscated or de-obfuscated) identified profiles, the machine learning data platform can execute a machine-learning-based workflow using available profile data. More specifically, a communication decision tree can include a set of nodes, each of which can represent an action to be initiated by the machine learning data platform and/or an event detection. Each action node can include a condition that, when satisfied indicates that a particular action corresponding to the node is to be performed. An action node can include (for example) a communication node indicating that a communication is to be availed at a user device in accordance with one or more communication specifications associated with the node. An action node can include a branching and/or decision node that determines a next direction for the trajectory, identifies one or more parameters or specifications for an upcoming action, and/or selects between multiple next nodes to be implemented. The branching and/or decision node can process at least part of (obfuscated or de-obfuscated) profile data using a trained machine-learning model (e.g., to identify a trajectory direction, action specification(s) and/or next node).

The machine-learning model can be trained to prioritize one or more variables, such as a probability that the trajectory will reach one or more particular nodes, a probability that a particular user-initiated action (e.g., opening a communication, activating a link within a communication, completing a purchase on a website associated with a client, etc.), a probability that new profile data will be collected, a weighted probability pertaining to new profile data collection (e.g., such that both probabilities of data collection and a magnitude of data collection are considered), etc. Communication decision trees can include multiple branching nodes, each of which can have a differently configured machine-learning model. The different configurations can be a result of different connections (e.g., as each branching node may be connected to different types of action nodes), differ profile data used to train the model and/or different prioritizations for the training. An interface can be provided that accepts input, for each branching node, that indicates what variable is to be prioritized.

The machine learning data platform can monitor for any incoming communications pertaining to the profile. Profile data can be updated based on (for example) detecting an action, detecting a new communication, detecting particular field values, detecting new information, or detecting a lack of a new communication or action.

In some instances, the machine learning data platform can assign each profile to a stage of the workflow based on detected events (or lack thereof). For example, each profile can initially be assigned to a first stage, at which the machine learning data platform triggers a transmission of a communication (e.g., having a communication specification identified via implementation of a machine-learning model) to a user device. If it is detected that the communication was opened (via detecting a request for message content), the profile can be assigned to a second stage, at which the message content—which can include a link—can be transmitted to the user device. If it is detected that the link was activated, the profile can be assigned to a third stage, at which webpage data from a web site is transmitted. If it is detected that a purchase is made at the web site, the profile can be assigned to a fourth “conversion” stage. The machine learning data platform can then aggregate data pertaining to profiles in a particular stage.

The machine learning data platform can create one or more data structures that map individual (obfuscated and/or de-obfuscated) profiles to corresponding updated data (e.g., detection of one or more new communications, actions, and/or information and/or a stage to which the profile progressed). The machine learning data platform can transmit the obfuscated identifiers and associated updated data to the client system and/or the de-obfuscated identifiers and the updated data to the data management system.

In some instances, the updated data is tagged with an indication that it was collected via implementation of the machine-learning-based workflow and/or communication decision tree. The tagging can be performed by the machine learning data platform prior to transmitting the updated data, at the data management system upon receiving the updated data and/or at the client system upon receiving the updated data. The client system and/or the data management system can then determine, for individual profiles, what data has been included in the updated data that is not in a current version of the corresponding (obfuscated or full) profile. The use of the tags can facilitate performing the assessment in a dynamic environment, in which the corresponding profiles themselves may be changing in view of new events that are unrelated to the machine-learning-based workflow and/or the communication tree. For example, potentially, a highly active user device is frequently transmitting communications that represent interactions with an app or web site. Each of these communications can indicate a current location of the user device. Thus, even if implementation of a machine-learning-based workflow identifies a recent location of the user device, it may not be informative.

Determining whether (and/or which) new data is informative can include determining whether inclusion of some or all of the updated data in a profile increases an entropy-based information value pertaining to a particular field value, a set of field values, whether a particular event (e.g., conversion) will be observed in association with the profile, and/or a type of particular event (e.g., conversion quantity) that will be observed in association with the profile. Determining whether is informative can include determining whether any, some or all of the updated data is redundant with information already represented in the profile (e.g., in its current version). Determining whether any, some or all of the updated data is informative can include determining whether any, some or all of the updated data has reduced a number of fields lacking a field value.

The client system and/or the data management system can then transmit a communication to the machine learning data platform that indicates, for each processed profile, a degree to which any updated data resulted in collecting new profile information. The machine learning platform can then perform a new or continued training process for a configuration for each machine-learning model corresponding to the machine-learning-based workflow. The configuration can be one that prioritizes information gathering (e.g., as opposed to occurrence of a conversion, communication opening or link activation).

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an interaction system 100. A machine learning data platform 105 can include one or more cloud servers and can be configured to receive user data from one or more client systems 105. The user data can include anonymized or partially anonymized user data (stored in an anonymized user data store 115) and/or secure client-availed user data (stored in a secure client-availed user data store 120), which may be less anonymized than anonymized user data or not anonymized. When secure client-availed user data is received, it may be securely stored in association with an identifier of a client, such that other clients cannot gain access to the data. The data may be stored in a multi-tenant cloud storage system such that multiple clients can log in to a central location to access a server or collection of servers, but where the specific access to data is controlled depending on which client has authenticated to the cloud storage system. Anonymized or partially anonymized user data may, or may not, be particularly configured for various clients (e.g., depending on which data the client supplied and/or data-sharing agreements associated with the client). Thus, a profile data populator 122 at machine learning data platform 105 can generate profile data corresponding to one or more individual users for particular clients and can customize which field values are included in the profile data for individual clients.

In some instances, client system 110 sends a request for profile data to a data management system 123, which can be configured store and update one or more profiles. The profiles can be built from data received from one or more client systems that identify a set of corresponding data fields (e.g., as detected from content requests, interaction indications and/or cookies). Data management system 123 can index the profiles using a unique identifier. Data management system 123 can determine whether to merge profile data and/or whether to add new profile data to an existing profile (instead of generating a new profile) based on (for example) an extent to which one, more or all field values in the new profile data match corresponding field values in an existing profile and/or a degree to which a field (or combination of fields) for which there are matching values are unique across profiles. Each profile can include one or more field values that correspond to PII data 124 and/or one or more field values that correspond to NPII data 125. It will be appreciated that, in some instances, whether a field value is characterized as PII data or NPII data depends on which other field values are included in a profile-specific record.

Further details of determining whether profile data corresponds to an existing profile are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/831,565, filed on Aug. 20, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some instances, the data management system is linked to a social relationship management (SRM) system, which analyzes metadata from various sources into a managed data store. The machine learning platform system may seamlessly plug into or disconnect from the SRM system to periodically transmit user-parameter data indicating which conversion events were (or were not) detected for a given represented user. Further details of such integration are included in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/385,261, filed on Dec. 20, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Data management system 123 can further be configured to process requests for access to data from one or more profiles. In some instances, a request can include (for example) one or more profile constraints and correspond to a request to return profile data pertaining to the profiles that match the constraints. In some instances, a request includes one or more identifiers and correspond to a request to return profile data for corresponding profiles.

A profile aggregator 126 at data management system 123 may identify one or more profiles that correspond to the constraints and/or identifiers. An access control 127 component can determine whether the profile(s) include PII. If so, access control 127 may transform the filters to obscure or remove the PII (e.g., by removing select field values, returning population-level values or value distributions for one or more fields, introducing noise to select field values, scrambling field values, etc.). Profile aggregator 126 can define a profile data set to include the non-PII profile data and/or transformed profile data. The profile data set can include individual records that correspond to a set of field values of an individual profile.

Rather than transmitting the identifier used by data management system 123 to identify the profile, a profile mapper 128 can assign a client-specific obfuscated identifier to each record. The client-specific obfuscated identifier may (or may not) be the same if a same profile is represented in multiple request responses. A mappings data store 129 can then associate each client-specific obfuscated identifier with (for example) an absolute identifier used for indexing at data management system 123, an identifier of client system 110, an identifier of a client set and/or an indication of a degree and/or type of obfuscation.

Subsequently, data management system 123 may receive a request for profile data, the request including one or more client-specific obfuscated client-specific identifiers. Access control 127 may determine whether a requesting device corresponds to the client associated with the identifier and whether any authenticating and/or permission information is valid. Profile mapper 128 may then identify the unobfuscated profile associated with the obfuscated identifier and determine whether and/or how profile data from the profile is to be filtered and/or transformed (e.g., by introducing noise or contributing a field value for a cross-profile aggregation) in accordance with an obfuscation protocol associated with the client-specific obfuscated identifier. It will be appreciated that, in some instances, mapping an obfuscated identifier to a non-obfuscated identifier can include a 1:1 mapping (e.g., when a client owns, has access to or initially provided the data within the obfuscated version of a profile and also the data within the non-obfuscated version of a profile). In some instances, the mapping includes a 1:many mapping between the obfuscated profile and multiple PII-containing profiles. A quantity of the “many” can be selected based on applicable privacy laws, specificity within the profiles, a number of profiles being accessed, etc.

In some instances, profile data populator 122 enhances a profile data set to supplement client-availed user data with partially anonymized user data, which can (as aggregated) define client-specific learned data (stored in a client-specific learned data store 133) for a given user. For example, data from a profile in the client-availed data can be mapped to one or more data sets in the anonymized or partially anonymized user data, such that richer data sets can be used in the machine-learning analyses. The mapping may occur using overlapping data (e.g., an IP address, if included in the anonymized or partially anonymized user data, a purchase time, a pseudo-random user identifier assigned by a client, etc.).

A machine learning model configurer 131 can configure a given machine learning model based on (for example) an identified target outcome, available training data, one or more client-identified constraints and/or potential actions as indicated by a communication decision tree and/or by a client. Configuring the machine learning model can include defining one or more parameters for a particular instance of the model (e.g., the instance being associated with a particular branching node, client and/or time period).

Each parameter can be indicative of a relationships and/or correlation between user attributes (stored in a learned parameter data store 132). The parameter(s) can include a weight that indicates how and/or an extent to which a first user attribute is predictive of a second user attribute that corresponds to an indication as to whether and/or an extent to which a target outcome occurred. The weight may be defined along a discrete or continuous value range and/or can be binary.

As one example, the parameter(s) can indicate which attributes from amongst a set of attributes are predictive of future occurrence of a particular type of conversion event. For example, it may be determined that having visited a webpage associated with a “travel” tag more than twice in the last month was a predictor of buying a piece of luggage. As another example, it may be determined that having visited a movie-review webpage within a given day was a predictor for later purchasing an online rental of a movie. Indirect associations and trends may also be learned, such as identifying there is an inverse correlation between an age of the user and an average time spent online each day. Each parameter may be associated with a strength and/or confidence of a relationship, optionally with serial associations between the data points gathered and the conclusions being made, where each association in serial carries a certain probability that the data at the start of the association is accurate for what it says and a certain other probability that the association itself is accurate.

The configuring may, but need not, be performed using client-availed profile data and/or to produce client-specific parameters. The client-specific parameter(s) may be, for example, a modified version of the parameter(s) generated using the anonymized or partially anonymized profile data.

Various machine-learning techniques may be used to generate learned data. For example, a machine-learning technique may use decision-tree learning, association-rule learning, an artificial neural network, deep learning, inductive logic programming, a support vector machine, clustering, a Bayesian network, reinforcement learning, representation learning, similarity and metric learning, sparse dictionary learning, a genetic algorithm, or rule-based machine learning. In some instances, a machine-learning technique includes an ensemble technique, which learns inter-ensemble weights to apply to results produced from various underlying techniques (such as two or more of those previously mentioned). The inter-ensemble weights may be identified based on (for example) accuracy, speed and/or resource usage associated with the underlying techniques.

Training a machine-learning technique (to identify one or more parameters) can include identifying how a set of observed inputs (e.g., content of a marketing email, content of a promotion, and/or the configuration of a web site) relates to a set of corresponding outputs (e.g., an outcome, such as the presence or absence of certain conversion event, for a corresponding marketing email, a corresponding promotion, and/or a corresponding web site configuration). These observed observations can be used to identify modeled relationships and/or trends, with a goal of predicting candidate factual information (e.g., a predicted next input to be received or a predicted output based on certain inputs) that has not yet occurred based on factual information leading up to the candidate factual information. Each prediction can carry a confidence or probability, and chains of predictions have a combined confidence or probability.

Thus, machine learning model configurator 131 can identify model parameters for particular client systems 110 based on (for example) target outcomes, client-specific profile data and/or machine-learning techniques. Client-specific learned data can be selectively shared with a client system having provided the underlying client-availed profile data. Client system 110 can include a system that hosts one or more web sites, hosts one or more apps and/or causes emails to be transmitted. For example, client system 110 can include a web server 135 that receives and responds to HTTP requests for pages on one or more domains and an email server 140 that delivers emails to users' email addresses. Client system 110 may further or alternatively include an app server 145 to receive and respond to requests received via an application executing on a user device. Thus, one or more servers at client system 110 can be configured to detect requests from one or more user devices 150-1, 150-2 and/or trigger transmission of content to one or more user devices 150-1, 150-2. User devices 150-1, 150-2 may include, for example, a computer, smart phone, tablet, etc. It will be appreciated that, in various circumstances, a single user device may be associated with a single user or more than one users. Further, a single user may be associated with a single user device or more than one user devices.

Web server 135 and/or app server 145 may store indications of requests for content (e.g., a webpage or app page) from a content library 153 as user data in a client-managed user data store 150. The stored data may include automatically detected information (e.g., a request time) along with information included in the request (e.g., a device identifier, IP address, requested webpage, user-entered input, etc.). Storing the data may include updating a profile to include the data. Web server 135, email server 140 and/or app server 145 may further store data in client-managed user data store 150 that indicates which content was distributed to particular user devices (e.g., by identifying a transmission time, user-device identifier, content-object identifier(s), and/or type of communication).

Client system 110 can transmit at least part of the user data from client-managed user data store 150 to machine learning data platform 105, which can store it in secure client-availed user data store 120. The transmission(s) may occur periodically, during a request for client-specific learned data, at regular time intervals, etc. In some instances, client system 110 at least partly anonymizes some or all of the user data (e.g., by omitting or obscuring values for at least some fields) before transmitting it to machine learning data platform (e.g., such that it is stored as anonymized or partially anonymized user data at the platform). In some instances, the data is not at least partly anonymized, such that the data is either stored in secure client-availed user data store 120 or is at least partially anonymized at machine learning data platform 105. For some datasets, the anonymized or partially anonymized data is received from a third party, after being stripped of PII, and stored by client system 110 without ever having access to the non-anonymized data. In some embodiments, the anonymized or partially anonymized data is natively anonymized or partially anonymized. In these embodiments, websites may run embed scripts on their web sites that, when executed, gather anonymized or partially anonymized data about accesses of the web sites by users. The scripts may gather only information that may be gleaned without knowing a user's personal information and stored in a data cloud that ensures that user identity can never be deduced beyond a certain probability.

Client system 110 can store machine-learning data in a machine learning data store 155. In some instances, the machine learning data includes an indication of one or more decisions made at a branching node for a given trajectory, one or more content specifications identified using a communication decision tree and/or one or more parameters. The machine-learning data can be requested from, received from and/or derived from data from machine learning platform 105. For example, in some instances, machine learning model configurator 131 causes parameters generated for and/or applicable to a client to be transmitted to client system 110. As another example, a machine learning model implementor 157 can apply machine learning model configured with particular parameters to particular profile data to identify one or more particular communications specifications to define a communications action to be taken for a client (and/or a next node of a trajectory) that corresponds to the profile data. Machine learning model implementor 157 can then cause an indication of the identified communications action and/or the next node to be transmitted in association with an identifier of a trajectory, user and/or user device.

Identifying a next node and/or communications specification(s) can include running a machine learning model (associated with a current branching node) using particular profile data and one or more learned parameters. A result can indicate (for example) which of various content-presentation characteristics is associated with a high (e.g., above-threshold) or highest probability of leading to a particular target outcome (e.g., target conversion). In some instances, the analysis includes identifying one or more content-presentation characteristics associated with a highest probability of leading to a particular conversion target outcome. In some instances, the analysis balances the probabilities of leading to a particular conversion results with a predefined cost metric associated with various content-presentation characteristics.

In some instances, running the machine learning model using the parameters (e.g., at machine learning data platform 105 or client system 110) can include (for example) performing a regression analysis using the profile data and parameters to generate a number that can be compared to one or more thresholds. The one or more thresholds can define two or more ranges (e.g., open-ended or closed ranges), with each range corresponding to a particular next node and/or communications action. In some instances, running the machine learning model using the parameters can include processing at least part of the profile data and at least part of the parameters to produce a result that can be compared to (e.g., via calculation of a difference, calculation of a cost using a cost function, etc.) each of a set of reference data variables (e.g., single values, a vector, a matrix, a time series, etc.)— each being associated with a particular next node and/or communications action and each potentially defined at least in part based on a parameter. A node or communication associated with a reference data variable for which the comparison indicated a closest correspondence can be selected.

A dynamic content generator 147 can trigger a presentation of a content object in accordance with the selected communication specification(s). To generate an appropriate instruction, dynamic content generator 147 may first identify what communication channel is to be used to transmit the object, the type of object that is to be transmitted, a version of content that is to be transmitted and/or when the content object is to be transmitted. The identification can be determined based on (for example) a result of an implementation of a machine learning model, a configuration of a machine learning model (e.g., which may restrain potential options with respect to one or more of these options), and/or one or more parameters.

Dynamic content generator 147 can identify a type of communication (e.g., email, SMS message, pop-up browser window or pushed app alert) to be transmitted, which can inform (for example) which of web server 135, email server 140 and/or app server 145 is to transmit the communication. The identification can be made explicitly (e.g., based on a machine-learning result, parameter, and/or machine-learning-model configuration) or implicitly (e.g., due to a selected content object being of a particular type).

Identifying the content object can include selecting from amongst a set of existing content objects or generating a new content object. The content object can include (for example) a webpage, an object within a webpage, an image, a text message, an email, an object within an email and/or text. In some instances, a result of executing a configured machine-learning model on profile data identifies a particular content object. In some instances, a result identifies a characteristic of content (e.g., having a particular metadata category) and/or identifies a particular technique for selecting content. For example, a result may indicate that a “tools” item is to be featured in a content object and/or that a communication is to include four content objects that correspond to four different (though unspecified) categories. In such instances, dynamic content generator 147 can (for example) select from amongst a set of potential content objects using a selection technique that is (for example) indicated via a result of the machine-learning implement, via a parameter, and/or via a predefined setting. For example, a selection technique may indicate that a selection technique is to include a pseudo-random selection technique, a technique to identify a most recently added object, a technique to identify a highest-conversion object within a set of potential content objects (e.g., having one or more attributes as indicated in a machine-learning result).

In some instances, a time at which a communication is to be transmitted is explicitly identified (e.g., based on a machine-learning result, parameter, and/or machine-learning-model configuration). For example, a time range can be defined as beginning with a current time and ending with a client-identified maximum time. The model may evaluate a set of regularly spaced potential transmission times within the time range. (In some instances, each potential transmission time is considered multiple times in combination with other potential specifications, such as content categories or communication channels.) A machine-learning model result can identify a transmission time associated with a highest probability of resulting in a target outcome. (Notably, if combinations of specifications are considered, the transmission time may include the time in a combination associated with the highest probability. In some instances, a communication is transmitted immediately, upon receiving a next request for content (e.g., corresponding to a given web site or app) from a user device associated with a machine-learning result, or in accordance with a predefined transmission schedule.

In some instances, each specification corresponding to a communication is identified (e.g., during a task and/or using a machine-learning model, a machine-learning configuration, a parameter, a client rule, etc.) at or before the communication is transmitted. Thus, all or some client-controlled configuration of the communication and/or its transmission can be performed prior to transmission of the communication. In some instances, at least one specification corresponding to a communication is identified (e.g., during a task and/or using a machine-learning model, a machine-learning configuration, a parameter, a client rule, etc.) after the communication is transmitted. Thus, at least some client-controlled configuration of the communication and/or its transmission can be performed after transmission of the communication. This post-transmission configuration can thus be based upon learned data and/or profile data that was not available prior to the transmission of the communication. For example, additional profile data corresponding to a user may become available between a first time at which an email was transmitted and a second time at which the email is opened and rendered. The transmitted email can include a script that executes when the email is to be rendered. The script can cause a request to be issued to identify device properties, such as a layout and/or application type. The script can pass these properties along with a request for content to be presented to a server. Thus, the server can select content and/or identify one or more display configurations based on specific rendering information, current profile data and/or current parameters to direct a selection of specific content.

As an additional or alternative example, the communication may contain one or more references or links to pages that, when opened (e.g., in a web browser), render content for display. The pages targeted by the links may include some content that was determined, by the machine learning engine, before or at the time the communication was generated. The pages can further be configured to include content that is to be selected or generated when a request for rendering the pages is detected (e.g., when a script detects activation of a link) and/or when the pages are being generated or rendered (e.g., as indicated by executing a script as part of loading the page). In some instances, a script in the email identifies the content configuration at the time of rendering or at the time that rendering is requested. In some instances, a script executing on the linked page identifies the content configuration.

As one example, a client system may offer online purchases of food delivery. It may be detected that a particular user had looked at a menu for a given restaurant at 2 μm. The client system may retrieve a set of user attributes from a profile data for the user from its client-managed user data. Client-specific learned data may indicate that there is a 76% chance that the user will make a purchase from the restaurant if an email including a discount code is sent in the evening to the user (e.g., as compared to a lower probability associated with other types of communication and other times). In response to determining that the 76% chance is above a 65% threshold for sending a discount threshold, email server 140 transmits an email to the user device. The email includes a script that, when executed, identifies the restaurant and discount to be presented. The user opens the email the next day at 10 am. The code is executed to request the restaurant and discount from the client system. The client system has since received updated public learned correlation data. The client system inputs the time, the user's location (as she is now at work) and prior purchase information to a decision tree built based on the learned data. It is determined that the discount is to be 10% (e.g., to maintain a threshold likelihood of conversion) and the restaurant is to be a deli near the user's work (e.g., to maximize a likelihood of conversion), whereas—had the user opened the email the night before, different user attributes and learned data would have resulted in a 15% discount (e.g., to maintain the threshold likelihood) from an Indian restaurant near the user's home (e.g., to maximize the likelihood). The email includes a link to order from the deli. When the user clicks on the link, the web server determines what content is to be presented—specifically, which food items are to be recommended. The recommendations are based on even more recently updated public learned correlation data, which indicate that salads and sandwiches should be recommended over soup and entrees, as the former options have been recently popular (predicted to be popular due to the warmer weather). Thus, this example illustrates how content presentations can be dynamically customized for a given user based on very recent learned data and user attributes.

Machine learning data platform 105 can generate updated client data based on (for example) any communications received from a user device (e.g., responsive to a workflow action). For example, the updated client data can include one or more new fields generated based on data in a header or payload of a received communication, an indication as to whether (e.g., and when) a particular event was detected, and/or a current or final stage of the workflow to which the profile is assigned. Machine learning data platform 105 can avail the updated client data (e.g., along with corresponding profile identifiers) to client system 110, which can store the updated data in client-specific learned data store 165. Client system 110 may, but need not, separately store the updated data from underlying profile(s).

It will be appreciated that, in some instances, some or all of machine learning data platform can be incorporated within client system 110. In some instances, client system 110 communicates with machine learning data platform during iterations of a communication decision tree. For example, client system 110 (e.g., web server 135 or app server 145 at client system 110) may detect a flag (e.g., included in a URL) in a request for web content or app content received from a user device, where the flag indicates its association with a machine-learning-based workflow). Client system 110 may then alert machine learning model implementor 157 of the request, so that a trajectory can be appropriately updated.

Machine learning data platform, client system 110 and user devices 150-1, 150-2 can communicate over a network 160, which can include, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and so on. It will be appreciated that various alternatives to the depicted and described embodiments are contemplated. For example, some or all of the machine learning may be performed at client system 110. Client system 110 may periodically receive anonymized or partially anonymized user data to process using a machine-learning technique.

One technique for obfuscating profile-related information corresponding to personally identifiable information, yet while delivering pertaining to the profile data is to generate groups of profiles such that (1) the users represented in the group have one or characteristics in common, and (2) the users represented in the group do not have mutually exclusive characteristics. Strictly as some examples, a client might be interested in presenting content to a group of users whom are interested in “auto”. A retrieval mechanism (e.g., a data-store query) can be used to identify a set of profiles corresponding to an interest in “auto” can be a starting point. However, to satisfy the aforementioned aspect of including only profiles in the group that do not have mutually-exclusive characteristics, some profiles might be rejected out. Some examples of mutually-exclusive characteristics can include (e.g., depending on query constraints and/or data-set size): (a) gender, (b) income bracket, (c) marital status, etc.

When delivering groups of profiles that are similar, some profiles might be rejected out due to the presence of mutually exclusive attributes, and even when a group of profiles does not have any mutually exclusive characteristics, the group makeup can be made even more similar by selecting-in profiles that share still more characteristics in common (e.g., geographic region). Thus, a rule base can be used to reject some profiles from a group and/or to add select profiles. By selecting a greater number of rules, and/or by increasing the specificity of a given rule, and/or by requiring certain attributes that have a low incidence of occurrence to be present, it is possible to decrease the randomness of the grouping. By selecting a lesser quantity of rules, and/or by decreasing the specificity of rule, and/or by requiring certain attributes that have a high incidence of occurrence to be present, it is possible to increase the randomness of the grouping. Randomness can be tuned to a point on a randomness spectrum. Such tuning can be in response to a command (e.g., from a client system), and/or a specification, and/or in response to a set of privacy requirements.

In some instances, one client system can send PII profile data to a data management system (e.g., that manages profile content across clients or for a single client corresponding to the PII owner). The data management system can function as a NPII owner and/or user data aggregator. The client system or the data management system can generate a private obfuscated ID (e.g., hash tag, or other obfuscated user identifier). The private obfuscated ID can then be shared (e.g., by the client system with the data management or the converse). The data management system can associate (e.g., in a cookie) the private ID with collected NPII. Client-specific private-ID profile data can be aggregated with and associated-with NPII profile data generated based on communications to a data management system from other client systems. Thus, any direct association between a given ID and specific NPII attributes can be obfuscated. The grouped NPII can then be shared with the PII owner. The PII owner can then use the additional NPII provided for the group of profile identifiers to configure device-specific communications.

Other techniques for using and configuring communication decision trees are detailed in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/007,762, filed on Jun. 13, 2018 (entitled “Methods and Systems for Configuring Communication Decision Trees based on Connected Positionable Elements on Canvas”), and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/007,787, filed on Jun. 13, 2018 (entitled “Machine-Learning Based Processing of De-Obfuscated Data for Data Enrichment”). Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate interfaces 200 and 300 for configuring templates 202 and 302 for communications configured to be partly configured upon detecting a rendering process or at rendering. The configuring can include executing a configured machine-learning model using current learned configurations of the model and current profile data. Template 202 shown in FIG. 2 includes a template to be used for generating an email communication, and template 302 shown in FIG. 3 includes a template to be used for generating an app notification communication.

Template 202 includes static text (e.g., text 205) and interaction features (e.g., button 210). Template 202 further represents a particular layout, in which three items are to be linearly represented above text 205. Template 202 also include dynamic components (e.g., dynamic text 215 and dynamic image 220) that are configured to be identified when rendering of the email is requested or occurring. Thus, when an email communication is transmitted, the static components can be transmitted along with code configured to (upon detecting a request to render the email) locally identify at least part of current profile data, request at least part of current profile data, request identification of dynamic components, receive or retrieve dynamic components (e.g., identified using current profile data, current anonymized or partially anonymized data and/or current learned parameters) and/or generate a complete email based on the template and dynamic components. The generated email can then be presented.

Template 302 includes a static layout and multiple dynamic text components (e.g., a dynamic title section 310. Template 302 can be configured to be transmitted with a script that facilitates dynamically identifying each dynamic text component. For example, the script can—upon detecting a request to present the notification (e.g., in response to opening an app, clicking on a notification app element, etc.)—locally identify at least part of current profile data, request at least part of current profile data, request identification of dynamic text components, receive or retrieve dynamic text components (e.g., identified using current profile data, current anonymized or partially anonymized data and/or current learned parameters) and/or generate a complete notification based on the template and dynamic text components. The generated notification can then be presented. Interface 300 shows an example of a dynamically generated notification 315 this includes the static layout and particular dynamic text.

FIG. 4 shows a representation of a communication decision tree 400. Communication decision tree 400 includes a starting node 405, at which each trajectory begins. A particular trajectory can be (in this example) initialized upon detecting that a user has completed two particular actions (e.g., initialized two web-site sessions, purchased two items from a web site, navigated to at least two webpages on a web site, etc.).

Communication decision tree 400 includes three branching nodes 410, 415 and 420—each of which branches to connect to three nodes representing three different actions. A trajectory can automatically and immediately extend from initial node 405 to a first branching node 410, which triggers a first decision to be made. Specifically, the first decision can include identifying a communication channel to use to send an alert of a web-site feature. The alert can include an automatically presented static header that indicates (for example) that a product or discount (generally) is available in association with the web site. The alert may further be associated with dynamic content (e.g., that specifically identifies one or more products and/or a discount) that is to be identified at a second branching node 415 upon detecting a request to open the notification.

First branching node 410 is connected to a first action node 425 a that represents an email communication channel, a second action node 425 b that represents an SMS-message communication channel, and a third action node 425 c that represents an app-based communication channel (where a notification would be pushed to and/or by an app installed at a user device).

The first decision can be made using a machine-learning model configured based upon one or more first parameters. The one or more first parameters can be dynamically determined based on anonymized and/or partially anonymized user data and/or client-specific data. For example, anonymized and/or partially anonymized user data may indicate—for each of various user sub-populations (as defined based on one or more user attributes)—how effective an alert transmission sent via each of the three types of communications channels was at triggering the user to initiate a session at a corresponding web site (e.g., as determined based on using tracking links within the alerts) and complete a transaction during the session. The anonymized and/or partially anonymized user data may correspond to many different web sites and/or web sites having one or more particular characteristics. The client-specific data can include data tracked by a given client for the particular web site of interest and can data that specifically identifies each user to which various alerts were transmitted and the result. The client-specific data may thus be richer in some respects relative to the anonymized and/or partially anonymized data, but the number of users represented in the client-specific data may be smaller than that represented in the anonymized and/or partially anonymized data. Further, the client-specific data may lack pertinent attribute combinations. For example, a given client may not have previously used app-based alerts, which may have reduced an accuracy with which a machine-learning model could predict potential effects of such alerts.

The machine-learning model (configured with the first parameters) can use profile data associated with the trajectory to determine which communication channel to user. The profile data can include client-collected profile data (e.g., using metadata, cookies and/or inputs associated with previous HTML requests from a user device associated with the trajectory). The profile data may further include other profile data requested and received from a remote user-profile data store, which may collect and manage profile data from multiple web hosts, clients, etc.

Upon identifying the communication channel, the trajectory extends to the corresponding action node (425 a, 425 b or 425 c). An alert is then sent using the corresponding communication channel. The alert can be configured to automatically identify limited content and to cause the trajectory to extend to second branching node 410 upon detecting a request to open the alert. A decision can then be made at second branching node 410 to determine specific content to be presented in a body of the alert.

Thus, second branching node 415 is connected to a first notification content node 430 a that represents content that identifies a product most recently viewed by the user at the web site, a second notification content node 430 b that represents content that identifies four of the products most viewed (across users) at the web site over the last week, and a third notification content node 430 c that represents content that includes an identification of a discounts. The second decision can be made using the machine-learning model configured based upon one or more second parameters. Thus, in some (but not all) instances, a general type of machine-learning model used at various branching nodes to make decisions can be the same, though particular configurations (e.g., indicating weights to be assigned to various user attributes, which user attributes are to be considered at all and/or target outcomes) can differ.

The one or more second parameters can be dynamically determined based on anonymized and/or partially anonymized user data and/or client-specific data. However, each of the anonymized and/or partially anonymized user data and/or the client-specific data may have changed since making the first decision, which can contribute to differences between the first and second parameters. Further, the potential actions considered at second branching node 415 differs from those considered at first branching node 410. Therefore, the first and second configurations can be different. Additionally, the profile data that is processed can differ between the first and second branching nodes. For example, a client-associated application may have been installed at a user device between processing performed at the first and second branching nodes (e.g., such that application-based notifications are an option at the second branching node but were not at the first).

Upon identifying the content, the trajectory extends to the corresponding content node (430 a, 430 b or 430 c). The corresponding content is then transmitted to the user device, such that it can be presented at the user device.

The content can include one or more tracking links to a webpage at the web site. Upon detecting that a tracking link has been activated, the trajectory can extend to a third branching node 420. A decision can then be made at third branching node 415 to determine specific content to be presented at the requested webpage.

Thus, third branching node 420 is connected to a first webpage content node 435 a that represents content that identifies four representative products—each associated with a different category; a second webpage content node 435 b that represents content that identifies four representative products—each associated with a same category; and a third webpage content node 435 c that represents content that identifies a single product predicted to be of interest to a given user based on previous webpage-interaction data.

The third decision can be made using the machine-learning model configured based upon one or more third parameters. The third parameter(s) can differ from the first parameter(s) and/or the second parameter(s) as a result of temporal changes to anonymized and/or partially anonymized user data, the client-specific data and/or as a result of differences of the potential actions. Additionally, the profile data processed at third branching node 420 can be different than that processed at first branching node 410 and/or second branching node 415 (e.g., as a result of detecting new metadata in communications from the user device and/or receiving new information corresponding to the profile from a remote system).

Upon identifying the content, the trajectory extends to the corresponding content node (435 a, 435 b or 435 c). The corresponding content is then transmitted to the user device, such that it can be presented at the user device within a corresponding webpage.

It will be appreciated that, while communication decision tree 400 depicted in FIG. 4 shows a single decision being made at each communication stage (when a notification is to be transmitted, when a body of a notification is to be presented, and when a webpage is to be presented), multiple decisions may instead be made using a machine-learning model. For example, at branching node 410, a decision may be made as to what communication channel to use and when to transmit a notification (e.g., by identifying a time within a time period or a time from amongst a set of potential times). As another example, a separate decision may be made before or after the communications-channel decision to identify a transmission time. Thus, a machine-learning model may be configured to generate multiple outputs or multiple machine-learning models can have multiple configurations (each corresponding to different parameters and/or hyperparameters, each trained separately and/or each producing a separate type of output).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a trajectory 500 corresponding to a user device and extending through communication decision tree 400. In this instance, a machine-learning result made at first branching node 410 indicated that an email communication channel was to be used to send a notification, such that trajectory 500 extended to first action node 425 a. An email notification is then transmitted to the user device. A request for email content is detected, indicating that a user is attempting to view the email, such that trajectory 500 extends to second branching node 415. There, a decision is made to include content that includes an identification of a discounts in the email. Thus, trajectory 500 extends to third notification content node 430 c, and the corresponding content is transmitted to the user device.

A request for a webpage corresponding to a targeted link within the email is then detected, such that trajectory 500 extends to third branching node 420. A machine-learning result is generated that indicates that the webpage is to include content that identifies four representative products—each associated with a different category. Therefore, trajectory 500 extends to first email content node 435 a, at which the corresponding webpage content is transmitted to the user device.

In the depicted instance, the decisions at the first branching node, the second branching node and the third branching node are indicated as having been made at 5 pm on a first day, 12 pm on a second day, and 6 pm on the second day. Corresponding actions are then immediately performed. It will be appreciated that action times may further be decided in accordance with a machine-learning model execution, client rule or other technique.

It will be further appreciated that identifying the machine-learning-based decision can include implementing one or more additional constraints and/or factors. Alternatively or additionally, the machine-learning-based decision can be further modified based on one or more additional constraints and/or factors. For example, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/798,293, filed on Jul. 13, 2015, (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes) further details additional techniques to dynamically identify communication characteristics, which may be further combined with machine-learning techniques disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided that avail a canvas to facilitate configuring a sequence of machine-learning implementations to partly define a communication exchange. More specifically, a canvas is availed that accepts positioning and connecting of individual switch visual elements with corresponding sets of communication visual elements. A communication decision tree can then be generated based on a set of positioned and connected visual elements. The canvas can be configured to accept, for each communication visual element, an identification of one or more communication specifications associated with the communication visual element. Each switch visual element can represent a machine-learning technique (to be associated with particular parameters learned through training) to be used to select a particular communication visual element from amongst a set of communication visual elements connected to the switch visual element. The canvas can be configured to accept (e.g., for each switch visual element or generally) an identification of a target outcome (e.g., representing a user-initiated event or communication), which can direct machine-learning selections. Thus, the particular communication visual element selected using the machine-learning technique can correspond to a communication specification predicted to be relatively likely to result the target outcome (e.g., which may be represented as an event visual element in the communication decision tree).

A machine-learning model can be defined for each represented switch visual element. The machine-learning model can be trained using previous trajectories pertaining to other communication decision trees (e.g., but capitalizing on the other communication decision trees having communication visual elements that correspond to similar or same communication specifications as those represented by communication visual elements in the model being trained). For example, the model can be trained by determining—for the trajectories routed so as to trigger a communication having a particular communication specification—what subsequent user-initiated events were represented by those trajectories (e.g., and what portion of the trajectories represented an occurrence of a client-identified target outcome). The model can further or alternatively be trained using trajectories as they emerge that pertain to the generated communication decision tree.

In some instances, a model can be trained using a data set that reflects previous events (e.g., trajectories through a same or different communication decision tree and/or other indication of an event sequence) and is augmented with new data. The new data may have recently become available (e.g., via newly received form input or metadata detection) but may correspond to a variable type estimated to be static or predictably changing. For example, if a user's age is identified at time X, the user's age at time X−3 years can be calculated, while an accuracy of a retrospective estimate of an interest or location variable over an extended time period may be less reliable. The training can then determine whether various attributes represented in the new data was predictive of whether particular events were going to occur.

The interface can be configured to accept indications as to biases that are to be applied at various machine-learning stages. For example, with respect to a given switch element that is connected to a particular set of communication visual elements, a client may interact with a slider control visually associated with a first visual element to indicate that path selections are to be boosted towards (or dampened from) the first visual element. Metadata that feeds into the machine-learning model can be set based on the interaction to enable effecting of a corresponding bias. In some instances, the metadata can correspond to an unlearned hyperparameter that is then used to adjust or constrain a learned parameter (e.g., weight). In some instances, the metadata be used to define a post-processing adjustment to be applied to a result generated by the machine-learning model. In some instances, a client or system implements a bias towards a given communication visual element when training data corresponding to a communication specification represented by the element is relatively low (e.g., generally and/or in association with a given communication stage).

In some instances, an interface can enable a client to define a structure of the communication decision tree and/or—for each decision node—one or more hyperparameters of a machine-learning model to be executed at the node. It will be noted that a machine-learning model can be defined based on one or more hyperparameters and one or more parameters. Each of the one or more hyperparameters includes a variable that is not learned via training of the machine-learning model, while the one or more parameters include one or more variables that are learned via training of the machine-learning model. Thus, an interface can be configured to allow a client to specify hyperparameters that indicate (for example) a number of branching nodes, actions corresponding to each branch connected to each branching node, other inter-node connections, one or more constraints to be observed during execution of individual machine-learning models, and so on.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary interface 600 to define a communication decision tree. Specifically, interface includes a canvas 605 on which representations of various nodes can be positioned and connected. Interface 600 can include a set of icons that can be selected and positioned on canvas 605 to represent specific sequential operations. The set of icons can include a start icon 610 representing a start of the communication decision tree. Start icon 610 can be associated with configuration logic that can receive a definition of a condition that, when satisfied, indicates that a trajectory through the communication decision tree is to be initiated.

The set of icons can further include an end icon 615. The communication decision tree can be defined to indicate that a given trajectory is complete upon reaching end icon 615. A client can then connect action-defining icons and/or event-detection icons between a positioned start icon 610 and a positioned end icon 615 to represent various operations and assessments that are to be performed during trajectory observations.

An action-defining icon included in the set of icons can be a switch icon 620. Switch icon 620 corresponds to a branching node, at which a branch is selected or “switched to”. The selection can be made using a configured machine-learning model and profile data. In many instances, switch icon 620 is connected to multiple potential paths. A potential path can intersect with another icon (e.g., a communication icon, event-detection icon, other switch icon and/or an end icon).

Exemplary communication icons include an email icon 625 indicating that an email is to be transmitted to a user device, a text-message icon 630 indicating that a text or SMS message is to be transmitted to a user device, and an app-message icon 635 indicating that an alert is to be indicated via an app installed at a user device. In some instances, a potential path indicates that no action is taken (via a lack of a communication icon). In the depicted canvas, the positioned switch icon is connected to three paths: two email paths (e.g., associated with different content and/or transmission times) and one no-action path.

An event-detection icon included in the set of icons can include target-detection icon 637, which represents that an event that corresponds to a target outcome for one or more machine-learning techniques has been detected. Target-detection icon 637 and/or another event-detection icon can indicate (for example) that a notification has been opened, a targeted link included in a notification has been activated, a user device associated with a trajectory has initiated a session with a web site, a product (e.g., any product or a specific product) has been purchased on a web site, additional profile information corresponding to the trajectory has been provided, and so on.

Interface 600 can include a connection tool 640 that can be used to connect multiple icons in a directional manner. Each connection can indicate that the communication decision tree is configured to allow a trajectory to extend across the connected node in the indicated direction. However, each connection can be associated with a condition, such that a trajectory only extends across the connection when the condition is satisfied. For example, a connection can be configured such that a condition is satisfied when a determination is made at a branching node (connected at one end of the connection) to perform an action represented by a communication icon (connected at another end of the connection). As another example, a condition may be configured to be satisfied upon detecting a particular type of interaction in association with a trajectory-associated user device.

Each action-defining icon can be associated with one or more action parameters that define a detailed action to be performed when a trajectory has reached the icon. For example, a parameter-defining interface may presented as part of interface 600 upon clicking on an icon and/or a parameter-defining interface can be opened in a pop-up window upon right-clicking on and/or double-clicking the icon.

In some instances, each action-defining icon and/or event-detection icon corresponds to a widget or piece of code that can be independently executed. Canvas 605 can serve as a communication fabric, such that a result produced by one widget (e.g., an indication from a machine-learning model corresponding to a switch icon that a communication is to be transmitted in accordance with a particular communication specification) can be availed to another widget (e.g., a widget corresponding to a communication icon corresponding to the particular communication specification). Thus, canvas 605 can extend trajectories in response to widget results and orchestrate aspects of communication exchanges.

While not shown in FIG. 6 , it will be appreciated that, in some instances, multiple switch icons 620 can be positioned on canvas 605. Each switch icon 620 can correspond to a separate instance of a machine-learning model that can be separately configured and operated.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary parameter-defining interface 700 for a switch icon. Parameter-defining interface 700 includes a field for a Stage Label that accepts text input. The text input can subsequently displayed next to the associated icon in the interface for defining the communication decision tree. A description can also be entered via text input, which can be displayed (for example) in the interface for defining the communication decision tree in response to detecting a single click or double click in association with the icon.

For switch icons that are configured to identify a selection or action specification and/or that are configured to implement a machine-learning model, parameter-defining interface 700 can include a field to define a target outcome. For example, a pull-down menu may identify a set of events that are being tracked and are available for identification as a target outcome. The target outcome can include an action initiated at a user device, a system-initiated notification, etc. For example, a target outcome can include detecting that a link within a communication availed to the user device was clicked, that a communication availed to the user device was opened, that a communication resulted in a purchase made in association with the user device (i.e., a conversion), that a chat session was initiated, that a form was completed, etc.

For switch icons that are configured to identify a selection or action specification and/or that are configured to implement a machine-learning model, parameter-defining interface 700 can further include one or more fields that indicate potential results to be identified. For example, interface 700 includes fields that correspond to three paths or branches that extend from the icon. In this instance, a stage-label name of another action-defining icon is identified for each path. In some instances, path information is automatically updated at parameter-defining interface 700 upon detecting that a switch is connected to one or more other icons at the interface for defining the communication decision tree. It will also be appreciated that parameter-defining interface 700 can include an option to add an additional path, remove a path, etc.

In some instances, one of the paths can be identified as a default path. Trajectories may then generally be routed to the default path unless (for example) a machine-learning model predicts that another path will have at least a threshold degree of greater probability of resulting in the target outcome, traversal through another path will produce additional data for the path that is of a threshold value (e.g., as indicated by a predicted improvement in confidences of subsequent predictions), etc. In some instances, whether a default path is selected depends on a confidence associated with a probability of the target outcome occurring (e.g., unless it is predicted that another path has at least a 60% probability of resulting in a target outcome and that the probability has a confidence of at least 50%).

In some instances, a switch icon can be configured to select a path and/or next action (or lack thereof) and a time to extend the path to a next icon (e.g., and perform any next action). The time can be selected from amongst multiple times and/or along an open or closed continuum. In the depicted instance, parameter-defining interface 700 includes a maximum time at which the trajectory is extended to a next action-defining icon. Thus, here, the trajectory is to be extended no later than one day after the trajectory has reached the switch icon unless decision logic executed in association with the switch icon indicates that another time period is sufficiently more advantageous (e.g., due to a higher probability of resulting in a target outcome and/or to increased training data).

A machine-learning technique and/or other selection technique can be configured to identify a path from amongst multiple potential paths that is associated with a highest probability of resulting in a target outcome. In some instances, the technique further introduces some degree of noise and/or variability such that a path deemed to be sub-optimal are occasionally selected to facilitate continue training of an underlying model.

In some instances, a client may have a reason to introduce a bias towards or against selection of a particular path. For example, a particular path may be costly (e.g., computationally and/or financially) to use relative to another path. As another example, a particular path may have high availability relative to another path. As yet another example, a client may desire to quickly gain information as to an efficacy of a given path so as to inform subsequent resource-allocation decisions.

Thus, parameter-defining interface 700 can include one or more options to effect a bias towards or against individual paths. In the depicted instance, a slider is provided for each path. When the slider is positioned towards the right “Boost” side, the path-selection technique can be adjusted to be biased towards a corresponding path. When the slider is positioned towards the left “Constrain” side, the path-selection technique can be adjusted to be biased against a corresponding path. Such boosting and/or constraining options may have imposed limits, such that (for example) an effect of moving the slider to the left-most constrain position is not to prevent a selection of a corresponding path. Such limits can allow a machine-learning model to continue to collect data pertaining to various options and continue to modify one or more parameters through learning. When there are only two options, a single interface component may be provided to identify relative bias towards one option versus the other. Meanwhile, option-specific boosting/constraining options can provide more intuitive controls when there are more than two options.

FIG. 8 shows another parameter-defining interface 800 that includes options to effect a bias towards or against representing various content in communications. In the depicted instance, nine content items (each representing a corresponding product) are represented. A slider is provided in visual association with a representation of each content item. When the slider is positioned towards the right “Boost” side, a content selection (e.g., which can correspond to selecting between multiple paths representing different content or can correspond to selecting content subsequent to identifying a communications channel) can be adjusted to be biased towards a corresponding content item. When the slider is positioned towards the left “Constrain” side, the path-selection technique can be adjusted to be biased against a corresponding item.

In the depicted instance, the slider is positioned to a left-most position. This triggers a “Never Offer” option to be presented. In some instances, if the Never Offer option is not selected, the first content item may at least occasionally still be selected.

Based on the relative biases indicated by the sliders and historical communication counts, a system can predict a number of times that individual content items will be represented in a given day. Thus, as a client moves one or more sliders, interface 800 may automatically update estimated counts as to a number of times that individual content items will be presented (e.g., per day) given the slider positions.

It will be appreciated that different types of biases can further be identified and effected. For example, one or more sliders may be provided to indicate biases related to when a communication is transmitted. For example, a slider may indicate an extent to which to bias decisions towards an immediate transmission (and/or towards transmission at another time, such as at a capped time).

Effecting a bias (e.g., towards or against a type of communication channel, towards or against representing particular types of content, towards or against transmitting a communication at a particular time, etc.) can include (for example) modifying one or more weights in a machine-learning models and/or one or more thresholds. In some instances, effecting a bias includes performing a post-processing (e.g., to redistribute a portion of the results to improve an extent to which a distribution of communication attributes matches a target distribution indicated based on the bias(es).

FIG. 9 shows yet another parameter-defining interface 900 that includes options to effect a bias towards or against using various communication channels to transmit communications. In the depicted instance, three communication channels are represented: email, app-based notification and SMS message. A slider is provided in visual association with a representation of each channel. When the slider is positioned towards the right “Boost” side, a content transmission can be adjusted to be biased towards using the corresponding type of channel. When the slider is positioned towards the left “Constrain” side, the path-selection technique can be adjusted to be biased against a corresponding channel.

Interface 900 further shows a time-series representation indicating a number of communications that have been transmitted using each channel within a recent time period and further indicating a number of communications scheduled for transmission using each channel across an upcoming time period. A current time is represented by the vertical line. The communications can be scheduled in accordance with a selection technique that selects between multiple potential transmission times (e.g., which may be included in a same or different machine-learning model relative to one selecting a communication channel). Thus, a client can view scheduled loads across various channels and determine whether to adjust any biases set for or against a channel.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for a process 1000 for using machine learning to direct trajectories through a communication decision tree according to some embodiments of the invention. Process 1000 begins at block 1005 where a data structure representing a communication decision tree is accessed. The communication decision tree can be configured to dynamically define individual trajectories through the communication decision tree using a machine-learning technique to indicate a series of communication specifications. More specifically, the communication decision tree can include a set of nodes. A given trajectory can be extended across nodes in response to detecting an event indicating that such extension is to occur. An event can include (for example) detecting a particular type of action or communication from a user event or can include identifying a particular decision (corresponding to a node identification) at a trajectory-managing system or machine learning data platform. The set of nodes can include a set of branching nodes. Each branching node of the set of branching nodes can correspond to an action point configured to identify a direction for a given trajectory and/or to identify a particular action to be initiated at a trajectory-managing system or machine learning data platform. A branching node can be configured to identify the direction or action using a configured machine learning model.

At block 1010, it is detected that a trajectory (associated with a particular user and/or particular user device) has extended to reach a branching node of the communication decision tree. The particular user can be one of a set of users included in a target group of communication recipients or target audience (e.g., each being associated with one or more predefined attributes identified by a client). The target group of communication recipients or target audience need not (though it may) be statically defined. For example, it can represent a dynamic set that corresponds to profiles that—at various points in time—represent each of one or more predefined attributes. The trajectory may have been extended to the branching node as a result of detecting a particular type of event initiated at the user device (e.g., a communication indicating that the user device is engaged in a session at a client-associated web site, a communication indicating that the user has completed a profile form submission, etc.) and/or as a result of completing a particular system-initiated action.

At block 1015, learned data that has been generated by processing other user data is retrieved. The other user data can correspond to data associated with at least part of the target group of communication recipients and/or target audience. The learned data can include data generated while training a machine-learning technique. It will be appreciated that the training may occur during a separate time relative to using the machine-learning technique to direct one or more trajectories, or the training and utilization of the machine-learning technique may be performed concurrently. The other user data can include trajectory data associated with one or more trajectories through a same or different communication decision tree. For example, the other user data can indicate for which of the at least part of the target group of communication recipients a corresponding trajectory reached a target node in a communication decision tree as specified in a predefined trajectory objective (e.g., indicating a success of a workflow). A target node may represent (for example) interacting with content, a conversion or responding to a communication. As another alternative or additional example, the other user data can indicate for which of the at least part of the target group a corresponding trajectory reached a preidentified node representing an undesired result (e.g., lack of responding to a communication, lack of a conversion or lack of interacting with content). The other user data can indicate profile data and/or attributes corresponding to one or more users and can further indicate various events detected and/or initiated in association with individual trajectories. Thus, for example, the other user data may indicate a probability of detecting a particular type of event (e.g., identified by a client as a target outcome) when various circumstances exist.

At block 1020, one or more user attributes associated with a user corresponding to the trajectory (detected as extending to the branching node) are retrieved. The user attribute(s) can include (for example) a type of user device; a geographical location of a user device; a type of browser being used at the user device; an operating system being used at the user device; a partial or complete history of an interaction between the user device and a particular web site; an interaction between the user device and one or more other web sites, cookie data associated with the user device; historical data indicating types of notifications (e.g., types of emails, text messages and/or app messages) that were opened at the user device, that resulted in activation of an included link, etc. The one or more particular user attributes can be collected and/or retrieved locally and/or requested and received from a remote source.

At block 1025, one or more communication specifications are identified based on the learned data and the one or more user attributes. For example, the learned data can include one or more parameters of a machine-learning model (e.g., a regression model). The machine-learning model may further be defined based on one or more hyperparameters. The machine-learning model can then be configured to process the user attribute(s) using the parameter(s), hyperparameter(s) and/or underlying structure. A result of an implementation of the model may identify a selection from amongst multiple available options that is predicted to be the most successful in achieving a target outcome. The multiple available options may correspond to (for example) different types of communication channels to be used, different types of content to be transmitted, and/or different timings of transmission. In some instances, the multiple available options share one or more other communication specifications.

At block 1030, transmission of content to a user device associated with the trajectory is triggered. The content transmission is performed in accordance with the one or more communication specifications.

At block 1035, it is determined whether the trajectory has extended to reach another branching node within the communication decision tree. The determination can include determining (for example) whether a threshold amount of time has passed since a last communication was transmitted to the particular user (or corresponding device); that the particular user interacted with a last communication transmitted to the particular user (or corresponding device) and/or that the particular user interacted with target content irrespective of whether such interaction with the target content was a result of a last communication transmitted to the particular user (or corresponding device). In some instances, each of two or more of these determinations is associated with a criterion of a different branching node. Block 1035 can include identify which other branching node to which the trajectory has extended.

If it is determined that the trajectory has extended to reach another branching node, process 1000 returns to block 1015 and blocks 1015-1035 are repeated. However, the repeated iteration of block 1015 may include retrieving different learned data generated by processing other user data (e.g., potentially, but not necessarily, in combination with at least some of the user data). The different learned data may have been generated using a same or different configuration of the machine-learning technique (e.g., having same or different values and/or types of parameters and/or hyperparameters). The repeated iteration of block 1020 can include retrieving at least one other user attribute. The repeated iteration of block 1025 can include identifying at least one other communication specification (and/or from amongst a different set of potential communication specifications) based on the different learned data and the at least one other user attribute. The at least one other communication specification can be identified using a same or different type of underlying model. And the repeated iteration of block 1030 can include triggering another transmission of other content in accordance with the at least one other communication specification.

When it is determined that the trajectory has not extended to reach another branching node, process 1000 proceeds to block 1040 to determine whether the trajectory is complete. The determination can be made by determining whether a current end of a trajectory is associated with a trajectory that lacks an extending connection. If it is determined that the trajectory is complete, processing of the trajectory can be terminated. If it is determined that the trajectory is not complete, process 1000 can return to block 1035 to await a determination that the trajectory has reached another branching node (e.g., as a result of a user-initiated action or external event).

Thus, process 1000 facilitates repeatedly using differently configured machine-learning models to identify specifications corresponding to different stages in a communication exchange. At the different stages, the models can use different profile data (e.g., values for different fields or values that have changed in time) and/or different model parameters (e.g., learned based on different inputs and/or outputs pertaining to the models and/or based on temporal changes). This iterative application of machine-learning models facilitates dynamically directing communication exchanges for individual users.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for a process 1100 for defining a machine-learning-based communication decision tree using an interface supporting positionable visual elements. Process 1100 begins at block 1105 where an interface is availed that includes a set of visual elements and a canvas for element positioning. Each of the set of visual elements can be positionable on the canvas. For example, the interface may be configured to allow a user to click on a representation of a visual element and—while maintaining the click—drag a cursor to another position on the canvas to drop the visual element at the other position. As another example, a representation can be selected (e.g., via a click or double-click) and another input (e.g., another click or double-click) received while the cursor is at another position can cause the visual element to be positioned at the other position.

The set of visual elements can include a set of action-defining visual elements. Each action-defining visual element of the set of action-defining visual elements can a particular action that is to be performed when a given trajectory has extended to the action-defining visual element. The set of action-defining visual elements can include a switch visual element that represents a decision action (e.g., made using a machine-learning model) to identify a communication specification using a machine-learning technique. The set of action-defining visual elements can further include a set of communication visual elements. Each of the set of communication visual elements can represent a particular communication specification (e.g., a type of communication channel, specific content, transmission time, etc.). The set of visual elements can also include a connection visual element configured to directionally connect multiple positioned visual elements. Each positioned visual element of the multiple positioned visual elements can correspond to an action-defining visual element of the set of action-defining visual elements. The directional connection can indicate an order in which particular actions represented by the multiple positioned visual elements are to occur.

At block 1110, an update to the canvas is detected. The updated canvas can include the switch visual element being positioned at a first position within the canvas, a first communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements positioned at a second position within the canvas, and a second communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements being positioned a third position within the canvas. The first communication visual element can represent a first particular communication specification, and the second communication visual element can represent a a second particular communication specification.

The updated canvas can further include a set of connection visual elements. Each of the set of connection visual elements can include an instance of the connection visual element. A first connection of the set of connection visual elements can be positioned to connect the switch visual element to the first communication visual element. A second connection of the set of connection visual elements can be positioned to connect the switch visual element to the second communication visual element. The set of connection visual elements can indicate that potential results of execution of the machine-learning technique at the switch visual element include a first result that triggers a communication transmission having the first particular communication specification and a second result that triggers a communication transmission having the second particular communication specification.

At block 1115, a particular communication decision tree is defined based on the updated canvas. At block 1120, it is detected that a given trajectory associated with particular profile data has extended to a particular decision action represented by the switch visual element. In response to the detection, at block 1125, the machine-learning technique (configured with learned parameter data and/or static data) is used to process the particular profile data to produce a machine-learning result. The learned parameter data can include data learned during a separate or ongoing training of a machine-learning model based on a set of trajectories associated with other users and/or associated with a same or different communication decision tree. The processing of the particular profile data using the machine-learning technique can indicate which one of the first and second particular communication specifications is to be applied for a content transmission.

Thus, at block 1130, content is transmitted to a user device associated with the trajectory. The transmission is performed in accordance with the one of the first and second particular communication specifications as indicated in the machine-learning result. For example, the first and second communication visual elements may correspond to different types of communication channels. Block 1125 may then include identifying one of the two types of communication channels, and the content can be transmitted via the identified channel.

Thus, the canvas facilitates defining configurations for a communication decision tree. However, a client need not define a communication exchange that applies to all users and/or that includes merely one or more deterministic rules. Rather, the interface supports generally identifying options of various communication specifications, an order of communication events and/or constraints. Specification communication specifications can then be automatically and dynamically generated using machine-learning techniques. This approach can facilitate configuring a communication system to abide by client priorities but can allow the communication system to dynamically adapt to characteristics of particular users, resource loads, recent interaction patterns, etc.

FIG. 12A depicts an environment 1200A in which anonymous information is associated to personally identifiable information without sharing personally identifiable information. Environment 1200A comprises one or more instances of a web server 1212 (associated with a particular client, i.e., a “partner”), one or more instances of a data management system 1211, one or more instances of a management interface server 1209, and a variety of types and instances of user devices 1213 (e.g., a desktop 1207, a laptop 1202, an IP phone 1203, a smart phone 1204, a tablet 1205 and/or other mobile devices 1201). The aforementioned servers and devices can communicate through a wireless network 1206 and/or a network 1208 (e.g., a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), etc.). A protocol 1220 depicts operations and communications by and among user devices, web server 1212, and data management system 1211.

In this example, web server 1212 is associated with a particular client (e.g., a web site publisher, advertiser, user data consumer, etc.), who can be an owner of PII. Data management system 1211 (e.g., user data aggregator, user data supplier, etc.) is associated with an owner and/or user of NPII. The aforementioned servers and devices in environment 1200A can be configured to facilitate and/or monitor activities at user device 1213, including browsing (e.g., see browsing activity operation 1232), such as completion of an online form that requests personally identifiable information (e.g., an email address).

User device 1213 can then send PII (see message 1234) to web server 1212. Web server 1212 can in turn generate a private ID (e.g., hash tag) associated with any portions or combinations of the sent PII (e.g., see operation 1236). Web server 1212 (or other client system) can then share the private ID (see message 1238) with data management system 1211. In another example, the private ID can be shared when a user is receiving communications (e.g., email) via an addressable digital channel. In yet another example, the private ID can be shared with a data consumer (e.g., a partner) via any known communication technique (e.g., including offline techniques).

Data management system 1211 can query a profile data store to determine whether field values from any existing profile match one or more NPII field values (e.g., a partial IP address) as shared by web server 1212 (and/or, in some instances, any field values—NPII or PII field values). When such a match is identified, the private ID may be grouped with one or more other IDs that are associated with the existing profile (e.g., including an absolute ID used by data management system 1211 and/or one or more other private IDs associated with different clients and/or processing instances). The private ID may be associated—at the data management system—with a particular client system and/or a particular processing instance. Data management system 1211 can also associate the private ID with a user cookie (see operation 1242) and set or update the cookie at user device 1213. The association of the ID with NPII (e.g., cookie) can be made even when there is no transfer of PII in making the association.

Web server 1212 (e.g., the PII owner) has its own PII and the generated private ID (e.g., hashed PII). Also, data management system 1211 (e.g., the NPII owner) has (and/or can access) the private ID (e.g., hashed PII) and NPII (e.g., cookie). Subsequent communication between the PII owner and NPII owner can occur using the private ID.

For example, as shown by protocol 1201, the user may continue to browse a web page at user device 1213, allowing data management system 1211 to capture additional NPII. Data management system 1211 can use the new NPII to select and/or modify a relevant group of user NPII (e.g., see Operation 1246) to then share e.g., see message 1247 ₁) with web server 1212. The NPII that is shared can be a cumulative NPII collection from a group of IDs that includes the private ID for the browsing user. The grouping can serve to prevent the web server 1212 or a user of the web server 1212 from determining whether the data it has received was the result of data directly collected from the browsing user or indirectly collected (e.g., as a result of the browsing user being a part of the group).

FIG. 12B depicts an environment 1200B in which information is shared with a client system without sharing personally identifiable information. The discussion of FIG. 12A includes an example in which the private ID (e.g., an obfuscated ID) can be shared with client system, which can be used to avail additional user data to the client system.

As shown in environment 1200B, a data management system 1211 can use the new NPII to construct and/or modify a relevant group of user's NPII (e.g., see operation 1250 in FIG. 12B and see operation 1246 in FIG. 12A) to then share (e.g., see message 1247 ₂) with client system 1210. Thus, client system 1210 can secure an enriched profile that includes PII and NPII collected locally and further includes NPII collected (for example) by one other more other client systems.

FIG. 13 presents an environment 1300 for enhancing profile data. Environment 1300 includes at least one instance of a data management system 1311, a plurality of web servers 1312 (e.g., corresponding to multiple clients devices of multiple clients: Client₁ web server 1312 ₁, Client₂ web server 1312 ₂, and Client₃ web server 1312 ₃), at least one instance of an ad server 1310, at least one instance of a management interface 1309, and at least one instance of a user device 1313. User device 1313 can represent one of a variety of other devices (e.g., a desktop computer 1307, a laptop computer 1302, an IP phone 1303, a smart phone 1304, a tablet 1305, etc.). The aforementioned servers and devices can communicate through a wireless network 1306 and/or a network 1308 (e.g., a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), etc.). The wireless network 1306 and network 1308 can be collectively referred to as the Internet.

A protocol 1320 depicts operations and communications on and among user device 1313, the plurality of web servers 1312, and the data management system 1311. In the example shown in protocol 1320, a user 1316 also operates user device 1313 and performs other activities. Specifically, user 1316 might shop offline (see operation 1322) at the physical store of Client₁, and generate PII (e.g., an email address during rewards program registration) via one or more user-client interactions. Client₁ can obfuscate the captured user PII and forward the obfuscated representation of the user PII to data management system 1311 (see operation 1323 and message 1324).

Data management system 1311 can receive the obfuscated offline PII (see operation 1325) and store it in a data store. The PII can be stored in an independent profile record and/or can be aggregated with corresponding information in a collective profile record, for which various clients may have authorization to access specific data (e.g., that corresponds to NPII fields and/or PII fields for which the client provided information).

User 1316 may later anonymously browse a website “www.site2.com” hosted by Client₂ web server 1312 ₂ (see operation 1326). Client₂ web server 1312 ₂ may then capture user NPII and forward the NPII to data management system 1311 (see message 1327 and message 1328), such that data management system 1311 can create or update a cookie for website “www.site2.com” on user device 1313 (see operation 1329).

User 1316 may then login to and browse website “www.site3.com” (see operation 1330) such that Client₃ web server 1312 ₃ can capture user PII (see message 1331) and generate an obfuscated representation of user PII, then forward it to data management system 1311 (see operation 1332 and message 1333). In some cases, the data management system 1311 can have access to sufficient information to discover one or more matches of the attributes associated with the obfuscated PII related to user 1316 and the attributes associated with the NPII related to user 1316 (see operation 1334) based on various data (e.g., common attributes, etc.) and methods (e.g., deterministic matching, probabilistic matching, etc.). Data management system 1311 can perform such matches without handling the PII from user 1316.

Many possibilities for implementing a matching mechanism are possible. For example, a match can be deemed if obfuscated codes are identical. As an alternative or additional approach, deterministic matching and/or probabilistic matching can be used. A matching mechanism can be any form of logic implemented in software and/or hardware that is configured to receive a plurality of obfuscated codes or other anonymous information and to associate the obfuscated information when a match is determined to be present. A match between two obfuscated codes can be a one-to-one match, or can be a one to many-match, or can be a many-to-one match.

User 1316 can use user device 1313 to login to and browse website “www.site1.com” hosted by Client₁ web server 1312 ₁ and owned by Client₁ (see operation 1335). Once logged in to “www.site1.com”, user device 1313 can obfuscate the PII of user 1316. such that the obfuscated user PII can be captured by Client₁ web server 1312 ₁ and forwarded to data management system 1311 (see operation 1336, message 1337, and message 1338). Data management system 1311 can look up any NPII matched to the obfuscated PII forwarded from Client₁ web server 1312 ₁ (see operation 1339) and send targeted content based on the matching NPII back to Client₁ web server 1312 ₁ (see message 1340) to serve to user 1316 browsing the website “www.site1.com” on user device 1313 (see message 1341). The herein disclosed techniques implemented in environment 1300 and protocol 1320 can thus enable Client₁, who initially may have only have had access to a limited PII information set pertaining to user 1316, to access additional NPII captured from another source, all without sharing private PII with other parties within environment 1300.

Various approaches for aggregating profile data are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/941,047, filed on Nov. 13, 2015, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/736,614, filed on Jun. 11, 2015, and in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/720,591, filed on Mar. 9, 2010. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for a process 1400 for using machine-learning model execution to enrich obfuscated data and implement communication workflow according to embodiments of the invention.

Process 1400 begins at block 1405 where a client device transmits, to a data management system, a query that includes one or more profile characteristics to a data management system. The profile characteristics can include (for example) field values that correspond to demographic data, data characterizing the type of webpages with which a user interacted (e.g., in a particular manner), various types of webpage interactions (e.g., given different preceding events), values collected via input at one or more forms, etc.

The data management system may search profile data to identify a set of profiles for which each profile in the set has each of the one or more profile characteristics. In some instances, only the NPII data is queried. In some instances, all data (e.g., so as to include PII and NPII data) is queried. The data management system can generate a set of obfuscated identifiers that correspond to the profiles matching the characteristics. The data management system can maintain an association, for each obfuscated identifier of the set of obfuscated identifiers, between the obfuscated identifier and one or more of the underlying profile, the client system, and/or the query. The data management system can transmit the client-specific set of obfuscated profile identifiers to the client system, which can receive the set at block 1410.

It will be appreciated that, in some instances, blocks 1405-810 can be repeated multiple times for various profile characteristics. This can facilitate presentations at the client device of indications as to features of the sets, such as sizes of sets that correspond to different characteristics.

At block 1415, the client device transmits the client-specific set of obfuscated profile identifiers (or a representation of the same) to a machine learning data platform. In some instances, block 1415 includes providing login credentials for the data management system to the machine learning data platform.

At block 1420, the machine learning data platform accesses at least part of the set of profiles from a profile data store maintained by the data management system. Accessing the profile data can include identifying, for each obfuscated profile identifier in the set of obfuscated profile identifiers, a de-obfuscated profile identifier. The de-obfuscated profile identifier can include an identifier that is used at the data management system to index the profile. In some instances, the machine learning data platform requests the de-obfuscated identifiers from the data management system by sending the data management system the client-specific set of obfuscated profile identifiers (e.g., along with client-identifying information). In some instances, the data management system identifies the de-obfuscated identifiers (e.g., and need not avail them to the machine learning data platform. For example, the machine-learning data platform may transmit an identification of a client system and/or query, such that the data management system can identify the set of corresponding de-obfuscated identifiers and/or absolute identifiers, such that corresponding profile data can be returned.

The at least part of the set of profiles can include (for example), for each of the identifiers within the client-specific set of obfuscated profile identifiers, profile information that corresponds to NPII data for the profile and client-associated PII data for the profile. In some instances, the accessed profile data further includes PII data associated with one or more other profiles. In some instances, block 1420 includes identifying, for each of the set of obfuscated profile identifiers, a de-obfuscated profile identifier. For example, the machine learning data platform may send a request for profile data to the data management system with the set of obfuscated profile identifiers.

At block 1425, a machine-learning based communication decision tree is executed for each profile. For example, one or more communication specifications can be identified using a machine-learning model (configured based on learned parameters) for each profile based on the accessed data, and a communication can be transmitted in accordance with the specification(s).

The machine learning data platform can monitor for an indication as to whether and/or how a user device has responded to (e.g., opened, activated a link within) the communication. Based on the communication and/or monitoring, at block 1430, the machine learning model can update a trajectory associated with the profile. For example, the trajectory can first be advanced from an initial branching node to a branch node representing a particular one or more communication specifications and can then be advanced to another (e.g., branching) node selected based on whether a user responded to the communication (e.g., and/or based on a type of the response). Communications, monitoring and/or trajectory advancements may advance throughout the tree (e.g., potentially using multiple differentially configured other machine-learning models).

At block 1435, a subset of the de-obfuscated set of profile identifiers is identified. Each profile represented in the subset may correspond to a particular trajectory characteristic. For example, the particular trajectory characteristic can include having an end of the trajectory at a particular node or at one of a set of particular nodes. As another example, the particular trajectory characteristic can include having progressed through one or more stages (e.g., represented by one or more event-detection nodes) and/or not having progressed through one or more other stages (e.g., represented by one or more other event-detection nodes). In some instances, multiple subsets are identified—each being associated with a different particular trajectory characteristic. The multiple subsets, collectively, may (but need not) combine to form the entire client-specific set of identifiers.

At block 1440, each of the profile identifiers in the subset is re-obfuscated. For example, upon initially identifying the de-obfuscated identifiers, the machine learning data platform may have maintained a mapping between individual obfuscated identifier and a de-obfuscated identifier. As another example, the machine learning data platform may have performed actions and monitoring associated with a communication decision tree using the obfuscated identifiers, with only the data management system mapping the obfuscated identifiers to de-obfuscated identifiers. Thus, the re-obfuscated identifiers may correspond to the originally identified obfuscated identifiers.

At block 1445, the machine learning data platform transmits, for each identifier in the subset, the re-obfuscated profile identifiers and indications of corresponding particular trajectory characteristics. For example, the transmission can include re-obfuscated identifiers in a subset that corresponds to having had an end of a trajectory that represents a particular communication stage. The transmission may (but need not) further include—in association with individual re-obfuscated identifiers—information collected during block 1425 (e.g., representing an occurrence of a received and/or transmitted communication, a lack of a receipt of a communication, a characteristic of a received communication and/or content from a received communication).

At block 1450, the client system can receive and store the re-obfuscated profile identifiers of the subset and the indication of the corresponding particular trajectory characteristics. For example, the client device may add a tag to profiles in the subset that indicate that the profiles correspond to a particular communication stage.

At block 1455, a new communication workflow can be initiated for profiles corresponding to the re-obfuscated profile identifiers in the subset. For example, for each profile represented in the subset, a new communication can be transmitted to a corresponding user device. Another communication decision tree and/or configured machine-learning model may, but need not, be used to identify communication specifications.

The client device can use the subset data and trajectory characteristic(s) to explore population-level and profile-specific attributes of profiles associated with a particular trajectory characteristic. For example, in one instance, the machine learning data platform assigns each profile to a workflow stage depending on a node associated with an end of the profile's trajectory or whether the trajectory extended through or to a particular node. A subset can be defined for each workflow stage so as to include profile identifiers assigned to the stage. Existing or new profile data associated with the subset can be processed to identify, for individual fields, a distribution of, statistic for or listing of values for the field.

FIG. 15 shows an interface that represents population-level stage-specific profile data corresponding to individual workflow stages. In this instance, each successive stage corresponds to a subset of the profiles represented in a previous stage. The stages correspond to profiles associated with profile data indicating that a communication was received (first stage), that a link within the communication was clicked (second stage), that an interaction at the linked web site corresponding to adding a product to a cart (third stage), and that an interaction at the linked web site corresponding to purchasing a product (fourth stage).

In the depicted instance, the fourth stage is selected to trigger presentation of information related to profiles assigned to the stage. As shown, population-level distribution statistics pertaining to demographic fields (e.g., gender, marital status and age and education data in a lower portion of the interface that is not depicted) can be presented.

The interface further includes an “Activate” button. This button can allow a client to identify a user group (e.g., users having clicked on a link but not having adding a purchase to a cart) and to transmit data about those users to the data management system and/or can initiate defining a set of profiles on which to perform a new workflow processing.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for a process 1600 for using machine-learning model execution to generate training data for data-enrichment training according to embodiments of the invention.

Process 1600 begins at block 1605 where a client device transmits, to a data management system, a query that includes one or more profile characteristics to a data management system. The profile characteristics can include (for example) field values that correspond to demographic data, data characterizing the type of webpages with which a user interacted (e.g., in a particular manner), various types of webpage interactions (e.g., given different preceding events), values collected via input at one or more forms, etc.

The data management system may search profile data to identify a set of profiles for which each profile in the set has each of the one or more profile characteristics. In some instances, only the NPII data is queried. In some instances, all data (e.g., so as to include PII and NPII data) is queried. The data management system can generate a set of obfuscated identifiers that correspond to the profiles matching the characteristics. The data management system can maintain an association, for each obfuscated identifier of the set of obfuscated identifiers, between the obfuscated identifier and one or more of the underlying profile, the client system, and/or the query. The data management system can transmit the client-specific set of obfuscated profile identifiers to the client system. Based on evaluation of one or more queries, the client system can identify, at block 1610, a set of profiles for communication action.

At block 1615, profile identifiers (e.g., obfuscated profile identifiers) for the set of profiles to a machine learning data platform. The transmission can include or otherwise correspond to a request to perform a processing using a machine-learning communication workflow. In some instances, block 1615 includes providing login credentials for the data management system to the machine learning data platform.

At block 1620, the machine learning data platform accesses at least part of the set of profiles from a profile data store maintained by the data management system. Accessing the profile data can include identifying, for each obfuscated profile identifier in the set of obfuscated profile identifiers, a de-obfuscated profile identifier. The de-obfuscated profile identifier can include an identifier that is used at the data management system to index the profile. In some instances, the machine learning data platform requests the de-obfuscated identifiers from the data management system by sending the data management system the client-specific set of obfuscated profile identifiers (e.g., along with client-identifying information). In some instances, the data management system identifies the de-obfuscated identifiers (e.g., and need not avail them to the machine learning data platform. For example, the machine-learning data platform may transmit an identification of a client system and/or query, such that the data management system can identify the set of corresponding de-obfuscated identifiers and/or absolute identifiers, such that corresponding profile data can be returned.

The at least part of the set of profiles can include (for example), for each of the identifiers within the client-specific set of obfuscated profile identifiers, profile information that corresponds to NPII data for the profile and client-associated PII data for the profile. In some instances, the accessed profile data further includes PII data associated with one or more other profiles. In some instances, block 1420 includes identifying, for each of the set of obfuscated profile identifiers, a de-obfuscated profile identifier. For example, the machine learning data platform may send a request for profile data to the data management system with the set of obfuscated profile identifiers.

At block 1625, a machine-learning based communication decision tree is executed for each profile. For example, one or more communication specifications can be identified using a machine-learning model (configured based on learned parameters) for each profile based on the accessed data, and a communication can be transmitted in accordance with the specification(s). The machine-learning based communication decision tree can include one or more nodes that each correspond to a decision to be made using a machine-learning model configured based on training data to prioritize one or more variables (e.g., user engagement, conversion, communication opening, etc.) and/or by processing training data in view of a target outcome.

The machine learning data platform can monitor for an indication as to whether and/or how a user device has responded to (e.g., opened, activated a link within) the communication. At block 1630 a, the machine learning data platform can detect new corresponding data represented in or by one or more incoming communications. The new corresponding data can be of a type tracked (e.g., at the client system or data management system) in one or more profiles. For example, an incoming communication may indicate a user action (e.g., having opened a notification, clicked on a link in the notification, interacted with a webpage in a particular manner, or provided particular form data). As another (additional or alternative) example, an incoming communication may include header data that identifies (for example) a type of device being used, a current location, a browsing history, etc. As yet another (additional or alternative) example, an incoming communication may explicitly identify new input having been provided by the user.

At block 1635 a, the machine learning data platform tags the new data with a workflow tag so as to indicate that it was collected and/or detected as a result of the execution of the machine-learning communication workflow. In some instances, the tag more specifically indicates one or more communication specifications associated with one or more communications transmitted prior to receiving the new corresponding data. The new data can also be associated with a profile identifier (e.g., as identified based on a device identifier, user identifier or profile identifier detected in a communication or via use of profile-associated tracking links in transmitted communications).

The new corresponding data can be accessible to the machine learning data platform as a result of the execution of the machine-learning communication workflow. In some instances, the client system (at block 1630 b) is also monitoring for an detecting new data corresponding to one or more of the profiles included in the set. The new corresponding data detected by the client system may have been detected based on events that are separate from and/or independent from actions associated with the machine-learning communication workflow. At block 1635 b, the client system may update the one or more profiles (or cause the one or more profiles to be updated via an instruction to the data management system) with the new data. For example, one or more new field values may be added to each of the one or more profiles.

At block 1640, the machine learning data platform transmits the tagged new data to the client device. At block 1645, the client device updates each of the set of profiles (or causes each of the set of profiles to be updated) to include the tagged new data. For example, new tagged field values can be added to the profiles. It will be appreciated that, in some instances, new corresponding data is detected (at block 1630 a), tagged (at block 1635 a), transmitted (at block 1640) and/or used for profile updating for an incomplete subset of the set of profiles.

At block 1650, the client system can identify—for each profile—for which data fields the tagged new data was informative to the existing profile. The identification can include (for example) performing a de-duplication process to delete a tagged field value when it is a duplicate of an untagged field value and then identifying the fields for the remaining tagged field values.

For example, the machine learning data platform may have identified three new field values for a given profile that were not represented in the accessed profile data. However, through separate or independent channels, the client system may have separately identified field values for two of three fields corresponding to the new data. One of the client-identified field values may match a corresponding first tagged field value and one of the client-identified field values may differ from corresponding second tagged field value. The client system may use one or more rules to determine how to further update the profile. For example, the tag may be removed from a third tagged value in the profile. With regard to a field corresponding to the differing client-identified and tagged field values, a rule may indicate that neither field value is to be included as a field value, both field values are to be included, that the client-identified value is to prevail in being included over the tagged value, that the tagged value is to prevail in being included over the client-identified value, that a more recently identified of the tagged or client-identified value is to be included, etc. Thus, depending on how differing field values are processed, the client system may determine that the machine-learning communication workflow produced new information pertaining to one or two fields.

At block 1655, the client system transmits characteristics of the added profile data to the machine learning data platform. The characteristics may identify (for example) for which types of fields the tagged data included new information for inclusion in profiles.

In some instances, one or more of blocks 1630 b, 1635 b, 1645, 1650 and 1655 may be performed at the data management system. The data management system can (at block 1650) then determine, for example, which data fields add information based on field values present in a profile that are characterized as NPII field values and/or client-specific PII field values associated with the client system (thereby indicating which field values add to information accessible to the client system). In some instances, a same or different determination identifies which data fields are informative relative to all existing profile data for the profile (further including PII associated with one or more other clients).

It will be appreciated that variations of the disclosed techniques are contemplated. For example, a branching node may use another type of artificial-intelligence model that is not a machine-learning model to select a communication specification to be used for a communication. As another example, an interface may be configured to accept a selection of a particular type or a more general type of artificial-intelligence model that is to be used at a trajectory stage corresponding to a switch element. As yet another example, an interface may be configured to allow an indication of what data (e.g., in terms of corresponding to one or more communication decision trees, one or more time periods, and/or one or more user-population segments) is to be used to train a machine-learning model corresponding to one, more or all switch elements positioned on a canvas.

It will be appreciated that technology disclosed herein can be used to support various types of decision trees. For example, nodes in the tree and/or visual elements represented on a canvas can (in some instances) correspond to elements that generally are associated with logic that evaluates whether a given condition is satisfied (e.g., a particular type of inter-device communication is detected, a non-client-associated application indicates that an action was performed, a particular time has passed) and, upon detecting satisfaction, a particular action is performed. For a subset of the nodes and/or visual elements, the conditioned particular action can include executing a machine-learning model based on profile data to select from amongst a set of connected nodes (or visual elements) to proceed, such that another particular action associated with the selected node (or visual element) can be performed. For example, machine-learning-based selection of trajectory paths may be integrated into an If This Then That environment. Rather than having branching nodes connected to nodes identifying communication specifications, the branches could (for example) identify different applications to use to store data. Thus, a decision framework can be established to enable an artificial-intelligence applet and/or plugin to communicate with one or more other applets or back through a canvas.

It will further be appreciated that, while some disclosures herein indicate that a target outcome can be used to shape machine-learning training and execution, more complicated instances are considered. For example, a negative outcome (e.g., an unsubscribe request or complaint) can alternatively or additionally be identified and used. In some instances, a score can be assigned to various results based on a quantity or extent to which one or more target results and/or one or more negative results occurred. The score can then be used for training and implementing one or more machine-learning models.

Specific details are given in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits can be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques can be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Implementation of the techniques, blocks, steps and means described above can be done in various ways. For example, these techniques, blocks, steps and means can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units can be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described above, and/or a combination thereof.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments can be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart can describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations can be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process can correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

Furthermore, embodiments can be implemented by hardware, software, scripting languages, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, and/or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, scripting language, and/or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks can be stored in a machine readable medium such as a storage medium. A code segment or machine-executable instruction can represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a script, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, and/or program statements. A code segment can be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, and/or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. can be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, ticket passing, network transmission, etc.

For a firmware and/or software implementation, the methodologies can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium tangibly embodying instructions can be used in implementing the methodologies described herein. For example, software codes can be stored in a memory. Memory can be implemented within the processor or external to the processor. As used herein the term “memory” refers to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.

Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium” can represent one or more memories for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and/or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and/or data.

While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: availing an interface for defining communication decision trees through which trajectories corresponding to communication exchanges are extended, the interface including: a set of communication visual elements, each communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements representing a particular action that is to be performed when a trajectory has extended to the communication visual element, the set of communication visual elements including: a switch visual element that represents a decision action to identify a communication specification using a machine-learning technique; and a set of communication visual elements, each of the set of communication visual elements representing a particular type of communication channel from a set of types of communication channels; and a canvas configured to accept positioning of one or more of the set of communication visual elements; detecting an update to the canvas, wherein the updated canvas includes: a switch visual element positioned at a first position; a first communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements positioned at a second position, the first communication visual element representing a first particular type of communication channel, wherein the first communication visual element is connected to the switch visual element; a second communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements positioned a third position, the second communication visual element representing a second particular type of communication channel, wherein the second communication visual element is connected to the switch visual element; and defining a particular communication decision tree based on the updated canvas that, when implemented and in response to detecting that a particular trajectory associated with particular profile data of a user has extended to a particular decision action represented by the switch visual element, triggers: retrieving, based on the particular profile data, one or more particular user attributes associated with the user; applying a machine-learning model associated with the switch visual element to the one or more particular user attributes to generate an output indicating that that content is to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel represented by the first communication visual element, wherein the machine-learning model was trained using user attributes for a set of other users; and causing, based on the output, the content to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the set of communication visual elements further includes: another set of communication visual elements, each of the other set of communication visual elements representing a particular category of content from a set of categories of content; and the method further comprising: detecting an additional update to the canvas, wherein the additionally updated canvas includes: another switch visual element positioned at a fourth position, wherein the other switch visual element is connected to the first and second communication visual elements; a third communication visual element of the other set of communication visual elements positioned at a fifth position, the first communication visual element representing a first particular category of content, wherein the first communication visual element is connected to the other switch visual element; a fourth communication visual element of the other set of communication visual elements positioned a sixth position, the second communication visual element representing a second particular category of content, wherein the second communication visual element is connected to the other switch visual element; and defining an updated communication decision tree based on the additionally updated canvas that, when implemented and in response to detecting that another particular trajectory associated with the particular profile data of the user has extended to another particular decision action represented by the other switch visual element, triggers: applying another machine-learning model associated with the other switch visual element to the one or more particular user attributes of the particular profile data to generate another output indicating the first particular category of content, wherein the other machine-learning model was trained using other user attributes for a set of other users, wherein the other user attributes include at least some user attributes not included in the user attributes of the set of other users; selecting, based on the other output, another content from the first particular category of content; and causing the other content to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the interface or another interface further includes one or more input components configured to receive an identification of the one or more particular user attributes from a plurality of particular user attributes, wherein the particular profile data selectively includes the one or more particular user attributes.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the interface is configured such that each individual visual element of the set of communication visual elements can be dragged and dropped to a location within the canvas.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an indication of a bias towards or against a specific communication attribute; and adjusting, based on the indication of the bias, one or more parameters of the machine-learning model, wherein the output is generated using the machine-learning model having the adjusted parameters.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the output further indicates a particular time within a time range, and wherein causing the content to be transmitted includes causing the content to be transmitted at the particular time.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting that the particular trajectory associated with the particular profile data has extended to the particular decision action represented by the switch visual element includes detecting that: a communication that includes an address or number associated with the user has been received from a device; or an email previously transmitted to the address associated with the user has been opened.
 8. A computer-program product tangibly embodied in a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, including instructions configured to cause one or more data processors to perform actions including: availing an interface for defining communication decision trees through which trajectories corresponding to communication exchanges are extended, the interface including: a set of communication visual elements, each communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements representing a particular action that is to be performed when a trajectory has extended to the communication visual element, the set of communication visual elements including: a switch visual element that represents a decision action to identify a communication specification using a machine-learning technique; and a set of communication visual elements, each of the set of communication visual elements representing a particular type of communication channel from a set of types of communication channels; and a canvas configured to accept positioning of one or more of the set of communication visual elements; detecting an update to the canvas, wherein the updated canvas includes: a switch visual element positioned at a first position; a first communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements positioned at a second position, the first communication visual element representing a first particular type of communication channel, wherein the first communication visual element is connected to the switch visual element; a second communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements positioned a third position, the second communication visual element representing a second particular type of communication channel, wherein the second communication visual element is connected to the switch visual element; and defining a particular communication decision tree based on the updated canvas that, when implemented and in response to detecting that a particular trajectory associated with particular profile data of a user has extended to a particular decision action represented by the switch visual element, triggers: retrieving, based on the particular profile data, one or more particular user attributes associated with the user; applying a machine-learning model associated with the switch visual element to the one or more particular user attributes to generate an output indicating that that content is to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel represented by the first communication visual element, wherein the machine-learning model was trained using user attributes for a set of other users; and causing, based on the output, the content to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel.
 9. The computer-program product of claim 8, wherein: the set of communication visual elements further includes: another set of communication visual elements, each of the other set of communication visual elements representing a particular category of content from a set of categories of content; and the instructions are further configured to cause the one or more data processors to perform actions including: detecting an additional update to the canvas, wherein the additionally updated canvas includes: another switch visual element positioned at a fourth position, wherein the other switch visual element is connected to the first and second communication visual elements; a third communication visual element of the other set of communication visual elements positioned at a fifth position, the first communication visual element representing a first particular category of content, wherein the first communication visual element is connected to the other switch visual element; a fourth communication visual element of the other set of communication visual elements positioned a sixth position, the second communication visual element representing a second particular category of content, wherein the second communication visual element is connected to the other switch visual element; and defining an updated communication decision tree based on the additionally updated canvas that, when implemented and in response to detecting that another particular trajectory associated with the particular profile data of the user has extended to another particular decision action represented by the other switch visual element, triggers: applying another machine-learning model associated with the other switch visual element to the one or more particular user attributes of the particular profile data to generate another output indicating the first particular category of content, wherein the other machine-learning model was trained using other user attributes for a set of other users, wherein the other user attributes include at least some user attributes not included in the user attributes of the set of other users; selecting, based on the other output, another content from the first particular category of content; and causing the other content to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel.
 10. The computer-program product of claim 8, wherein the interface or another interface further includes one or more input components configured to receive an identification of the one or more particular user attributes from a plurality of particular user attributes, wherein the particular profile data selectively includes the one or more particular user attributes.
 11. The computer-program product of claim 8, wherein the interface is configured such that each individual visual element of the set of communication visual elements can be dragged and dropped to a location within the canvas.
 12. The computer-program product of claim 8, wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the one or more data processors to perform actions including: receiving an indication of a bias towards or against a specific communication attribute; and adjusting, based on the indication of the bias, one or more parameters of the machine-learning model, wherein the output is generated using the machine-learning model having the adjusted parameters.
 13. The computer-program product of claim 8, wherein the output further indicates a particular time within a time range, and wherein causing the content to be transmitted includes causing the content to be transmitted at the particular time.
 14. The computer-program product of claim 8, wherein detecting that the particular trajectory associated with the particular profile data has extended to the particular decision action represented by the switch visual element includes detecting that: a communication that includes an address or number associated with the user has been received from a device; or an email previously transmitted to the address associated with the user has been opened.
 15. A system comprising: one or more data processors; and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium containing instructions which when executed on the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to perform actions including: availing an interface for defining communication decision trees through which trajectories corresponding to communication exchanges are extended, the interface including: a set of communication visual elements, each communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements representing a particular action that is to be performed when a trajectory has extended to the communication visual element, the set of communication visual elements including: a switch visual element that represents a decision action to identify a communication specification using a machine-learning technique; and a set of communication visual elements, each of the set of communication visual elements representing a particular type of communication channel from a set of types of communication channels; and a canvas configured to accept positioning of one or more of the set of communication visual elements; detecting an update to the canvas, wherein the updated canvas includes: a switch visual element positioned at a first position; a first communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements positioned at a second position, the first communication visual element representing a first particular type of communication channel, wherein the first communication visual element is connected to the switch visual element; a second communication visual element of the set of communication visual elements positioned a third position, the second communication visual element representing a second particular type of communication channel, wherein the second communication visual element is connected to the switch visual element; and defining a particular communication decision tree based on the updated canvas that, when implemented and in response to detecting that a particular trajectory associated with particular profile data of a user has extended to a particular decision action represented by the switch visual element, triggers: retrieving, based on the particular profile data, one or more particular user attributes associated with the user; applying a machine-learning model associated with the switch visual element to the one or more particular user attributes to generate an output indicating that that content is to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel represented by the first communication visual element, wherein the machine-learning model was trained using user attributes for a set of other users; and causing, based on the output, the content to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein: the set of communication visual elements further includes: another set of communication visual elements, each of the other set of communication visual elements representing a particular category of content from a set of categories of content; and the instructions are further configured to cause the one or more data processors to perform actions including: detecting an additional update to the canvas, wherein the additionally updated canvas includes: another switch visual element positioned at a fourth position, wherein the other switch visual element is connected to the first and second communication visual elements; a third communication visual element of the other set of communication visual elements positioned at a fifth position, the first communication visual element representing a first particular category of content, wherein the first communication visual element is connected to the other switch visual element; a fourth communication visual element of the other set of communication visual elements positioned a sixth position, the second communication visual element representing a second particular category of content, wherein the second communication visual element is connected to the other switch visual element; and defining an updated communication decision tree based on the additionally updated canvas that, when implemented and in response to detecting that another particular trajectory associated with the particular profile data of the user has extended to another particular decision action represented by the other switch visual element, triggers: applying another machine-learning model associated with the other switch visual element to the one or more particular user attributes of the particular profile data to generate another output indicating the first particular category of content, wherein the other machine-learning model was trained using other user attributes for a set of other users, wherein the other user attributes include at least some user attributes not included in the user attributes of the set of other users; selecting, based on the other output, another content from the first particular category of content; and causing the other content to be transmitted across the first particular type of communication channel.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the interface or another interface further includes one or more input components configured to receive an identification of the one or more particular user attributes from a plurality of particular user attributes, wherein the particular profile data selectively includes the one or more particular user attributes.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the interface is configured such that each individual visual element of the set of communication visual elements can be dragged and dropped to a location within the canvas.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the output further indicates a particular time within a time range, and wherein causing the content to be transmitted includes causing the content to be transmitted at the particular time.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein detecting that the particular trajectory associated with the particular profile data has extended to the particular decision action represented by the switch visual element includes detecting that: a communication that includes an address or number associated with the user has been received from a device; or an email previously transmitted to the address associated with the user has been opened. 